Learners shared with the Commission that they hope to increase their earning potential and develop a sense of purpose and community connection.
The “college wage premium”—the amount earned by workers with a college degree as compared to peers with a high school diploma—has shown great and enduring financial and social value. College graduates are less likely to be unemployed, more likely to have health insurance, and less likely to experience poverty. These benefits have a real and meaningful impact on people’s lives.
College also provides more than just a credential or specific knowledge and technical skills. Learners can gain valuable work experience, interpersonal skills, and civic habits.
Learner at a four-year public HBCU in Maryland
“I had a guidance counselor who really poured into me, and she saw something in me and she was like, I’m going to help you get into these colleges because my mom and my dad were not college graduates at all. So, I had no idea on how to navigate that whole process.”
Related recommendation:
Facilitate Partnerships to Improve High-Quality Advising in High School and CollegeLearner at a four-year public HBCU in Maryland
“I felt I had a moral obligation as a first-generation college student that I owe it to my family members to go to college because they didn’t always have that opportunity.”
29.6%
of undergraduates are first-generation college goers
31.8%
of students at four-year institutions received Pell grants in 2023-24
One of the most common barriers to enrolling in college is the total cost of attendance and the confusing maze of financial aid applications and options. Many learners, especially first-generation college goers, may not think college is an option if they believe they cannot afford it. The complexity of financial aid information can discourage some individuals from pursuing a college degree that could help them achieve prosperity.
High school student in Pennsylvania
“[For what comes next, I feel] physically and mentally and academically prepared, but not financially.”
Related recommendation:
Develop Financial Literacy and Promote FAFSA CompletionLearner at a four-year public HBCU in Maryland
“I am a first-generation college student and I did not have a lot of knowledge about college. I didn’t know much, my family didn’t know much, so there wasn’t many people in my corner who could help me. When it came to narrowing down schools and working out grants and trying to figure all of that stuff out, I literally had to do that on my own.”
Related recommendation:
Advise and Mentor Learners, Alumni, and WorkersRelated Promising Practices
Washington State Opportunity Pathways
Washington’s Opportunity Pathways provide need-based, merit-based, and workforce financial aid programs.
- WA
- Financial Aid
- Higher Education Leaders
- Policymakers
Ohio State University’s General Education Program’s Citizenship Requirement
Ohio State University’s General Education program requires all students to take four to six credit hours of courses in citizenship.
- OH
- Durable Skills
- Higher Education Leaders
Learners who are pursuing or have earned a bachelor’s degree may be interested in pursuing further education. Some learners may be using educational awards provided by the military or a service-year program and will be looking to join the workforce after graduation. Many learners will already be working and aiming to advance in the workforce after earning their degree.
You can explore one of these next steps by selecting an option below.