Job Market Returns for Community College Remain High

The labor market returns for associate degrees remained strong throughout the recession, according to newly released research from the Center for Analysis of Postsecondary Education and Employment (CAPSEE). Students who earned a two-year degree, or who transferred and completed a bachelor's degree, earned more and were less likely to be unemployed than were their peers who failed to graduate or transfer, according to the research.

The study was based on students who enrolled in North Carolina community colleges in 2002. It drew data from the National Student Clearinghouse as well as unemployment insurance wage data. Students in some disciplines fared better than others, particularly ones who earned credentials in health care.