High School Leads to College

American Demographics, July 1, 1998 by Kythe Heller

As the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, the educated also get more educated. In 1996, 59 percent of high school graduates went on to college, compared with 43 percent in 1986. At the same time, public high school graduation rates have steadily deteriorated, from a peak of 74 percent in 1983 to 68 percent in 1996, according to a study in the newsletter Postsecondary Education Opportunity. Those with a college education reap the benefits of increased real incomes, while those with a high school diploma or less suffer economically.

The overall chance for college attendance by age 19 was 40 percent in 1996. But state by state, the differences in educational preparation for the labor market are startling. A 19-year-old in North Dakota was nearly 2.5 times more likely than a 19-year-old in Nevada or Alaska to be enrolled in college in 1996. North Dakota ranked first for college attendance by age 19, at 63 percent. Other states with high chances for college by age 19 include Iowa, Massachusetts, and New Jersey (54 percent each). Nevada was at the bottom of the list, at 25 percent. Other states with low-enrollment rates include Alaska (26 percent), Arizona (28 percent), and Florida (29 percent). The largest gains in the college continuation rate between 1992 and 1996 were recorded in California and Massachusetts. These two states suffered economic recessions in the early 1990s, followed by abrupt economic recovery. When labor markets are strong, many high school graduates delay college entrance in favor of well-paying jobs.

For more information, see "Chance for College by Age 19 by State in 1996" in the March 1998 issue of Postsecondary Education Opportunity, P.O. Box 415, Oskaloosa, IA 52577-0415; telephone (515) 673-3401; fax (515) 673-3411.