Cengage sponsored Wakefield Research’s survey to examine the opportunities for graduates in 17 indicators. These included economic, employment and personal well-being. The results showed that students are generally optimistic about their future, despite the challenges of student loan debt and rising housing costs.
“A college education has been long considered the path to a better career and ultimately a better quality of life ….The Index indicates that college is still a sound investment. However, students’ optimism about the future shows they don’t realize how housing costs and loan debt can impact their ability find the jobs they desire. This clearly shows the need for the education system to collaborate on policies and programs to make college more affordable and to help students transition from college into the workforce. – Michael E. Hansen CEO, Cengage
These are the key findings
93% of soon-to be graduates believe they will land a job related their educational background within six months of graduating. Only 60% of those who do succeed are confident.
51 percent of recent and future graduates admit to having student loan debt. The average amount of student loan debt is $22,919.
65 percent of respondents said they would have to leave their current location to afford a house.
71% of respondents believe the country’s economic outlook has improved since they started college. Sixty-one per cent believe they will be more fortunate than their parents.
VIEW STUDENT OPPORTUNITY INFOGRAPHIC
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