Workforce Preparation and Employment Outcomes

Workforce Preparation and Employment Outcomes

Average Quarterly Earnings: Connecticut

Average quarterly earnings for 2007-08 Connecticut Community College associate degree graduates who were employed in the third quarter after graduation

What Is Measured?

Average quarterly earnings

Who Is Counted?

2007-08 Connecticut Community College associate degree graduates who were employed in the third quarter after graduation

What It Tells Us

The average quarterly earnings for 2007-08 Connecticut Community College associate degree graduates who were employed in the third quarter after graduation was approximately $9,300.

Why It's Important

Many students enroll in community colleges to gain new skills so that they can improve their employment prospects. Numerous studies have found that median earnings for individuals with associate degrees are higher than median earnings for high school graduates. Even individuals who attend community college but do not complete a degree have higher earnings than those whose education stops at high school. Fewer studies have examined vocational certificates at the national level, but their results are consistent with the research on associate degrees, with certificate recipients showing a substantial advantage in earnings.

About the Data
Employment data were obtained from the Connecticut Departments of Labor (DOL) and Higher Education (DHE) and each constituent unit of higher education. Graduate data were provided to and matched with information contained in the Unemployment Insurance program records by the Connecticut DOL. These data reflect employment in Connecticut only and exclude self-employment and federal employment. Some graduates who were not found to be working in Connecticut may be employed in other states or may be continuing their education.
Data Source

Connecticut Departments of Labor (DOL) and Higher Education (DHE). (2010, October). Higher education: Building Connecticut's workforce: Report on 2007-08 graduates. CT: Author.