The Post-Collegiate Influence of Higher Education: Intellectual, Civic, and Psychological Outcomes

• In Event: Civic and Democratic Outcomes in Higher Education

Abstract

In the context of recent critiques of the value of higher education, this study explores the link between college experiences and post-college outcomes using a large, multi-institutional dataset of 28,718 alumni. The results indicate substantial overall benefits of some experiences, along with some consistent moderation effects by student identity.

Authors

• Nick Bowman, University of Iowa

• Gregory Wolniak, Institute of Higher Education, University of Georgia

• Tricia Seifert, Montana State University

• Kathleen Wise, Wabash College

• Charles Blaich, Wabash College