21. Matched 1991 data on years of education with 1992 data on degree completionSimilar years of school completed, but no degrees: White men with Associate degrees earn 8-19% more White women with Associate degrees earn 24-31% more Conclude that sheepskin effects do matter in the returns to eduction.
23. Key Point The payoff to “some college” applies to both continuing high school graduates and experienced adult workers who return to school after acquiring considerable labor market experience.
31. Research over the past two decades has brought to the light the importance of education beyond high school. In particular, evidence has grown to substantiate the economic returns for workers with higher education levels. This review suggests that community colleges are associated with higher wages, even for those not completing degrees. While no assertions have been made with regard to the causation of higher levels of earnings, the evidence is compelling on the powerful impact of education on individuals and on society. In sum, education does pay.
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