Community College Graduates Research Articles

Differential Effects of University and Community College Education on Occupational Status Attainment in Ontario

Research into occupational status attainment in both the United States and Canada has largely ignored the effects of type of post-secondary education on occupational status outcomes. This study has utilized a longitudinal database tracking Ontario residents in order to examine the nature and extent to which graduates of community colleges achieve lower status occupations than their university counterparts. Reported occupations were recoded into Blishen status scores. In terms of average occupational status outcomes, community college graduates fare less well than university graduates. Our research findings support the claim that, with differentiation and diversification of post-secondary education, the quality as well as the quantity of education ought to receive research attention.

ACTUAL AND OPTIMAL AMOUNTS OF GENERAL EDUCATION IN OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAMS

This study determined and compared the views of community college graduates and leavers of occupational programs on the actual and optimal amounts of general education. Data were collected via mail survey from a random sample of 400 graduates and leavers. Results suggested that actual amounts of general education taken differed from the optimal amount desired. All AAS and certificate students had taken proportionately more general education than desired, in particular certificate leavers. The study identified sufficient concensus among the groups surveyed to suggest that community college administrators should reevaluate required proportions of general education in occupational programs