STEM Associate Degree Wage Premiums: Evidence From the California Community College System

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Division J Poster Session: Policy, Finance, and Economics

Abstract

Though the topic of wage premiums realized by graduates in STEM majors has received considerable attention generally, comparatively little research exists specific to outcomes at the community college level. Using data collected by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, we analyze changes in earnings to both STEM and non-stem graduates over a four year period, beginning two years before degree completion and again two years after. Students earning an associate’s degree in a STEM major realized a greater increase in median annual earnings (M = $18,174, SD = $4,409) compared with non-STEM majors (M = $10,882, SD = $1,254). The mean premium was significant t(9) = 5.13, p < .01, r2 = .74. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Author

• Christian Anderson, College of the Sequoias