Not only do college graduates have statistically higher lifetime earning potential, broader networks and connections, and fewer chronic health issues, but the benefits of a four-year degree also extend far beyond one individual and can have a lasting impact on their community.
Click on the map to learn how the university in your community is making a difference and how you can support their efforts across Tennessee.
Tennessee’s most in-demand workforce needs such as educators, doctors and engineers all require a four-year degree.
Over 70% of Tennessee business leaders see a workforce skills gap, but public universities are bridging it with skilled employees.
Public universities significantly boost the U.S. economy; a 1% rise in bachelor’s degrees in the 2010s would’ve added $130.5 billion.
Public college grads have higher-paying jobs, better health, and improved well-being, contributing to society’s prosperity.
A Bachelor’s degree yields $1.4M more in earnings compared to high school diplomas; 90% of TN public universities rank high in graduate economic mobility.
Universities bring people together through dorm life, clubs, sporting events, volunteer opportunities and more, and individuals with a bachelor’s degree are twice as likely to report satisfaction with their lives than those without.
Author Mark Twain once famously stated that a newspaper report of his death was greatly exaggerated.
Today, the same might be said of recent headlines questioning the value of a four-year college degree.
Such sensational headlines grab public interest. But do they really reflect the truth about higher ed?
No matter where I go, I always tout the value of pursuing some form of higher education. I note that there are many options, ranging from trade and technical schools to certificate programs to community colleges and four-year institutions.
While a higher earning potential may be the most obvious benefit it’s not the only reason.
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Sources
https://www.aplu.org/our-work/4-policy-and-advocacy/publicuvalues/employment-earnings/
https://www.ihep.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IHEP_Rising-above-the-Threshold_rd4.pdf
https://www.aplu.org/our-work/4-policy-and-advocacy/publicuvalues/societal-benefits/
https://www.thirdway.org/graphic/rating-colleges-by-economic-mobility
https://tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/climate-survey__UT-System-results23.pdf
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2016/10/06/3-how-americans-view-their-jobs/
https://news.yale.edu/2020/02/20/want-live-longer-stay-school-study-suggests
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/12/04/education-and-marriage/
https://www.americanactionforum.org/project/economic-benefits-educational-attainment/