Degrees of Opportunity: Lessons Learned from State-Level Data on Postsecondary Earnings Outcomes

Explores the earnings variations between bachelor’s degree holders and sub-baccalaureate credentials (associate degrees, certificates, and apprenticeships). The study uses state administrative data from College Measures to calculate five-year earnings and expected 20-year return on investment for students completing bachelor’s, associate, certificate, and apprenticeship programs in specific fields of study from public higher education institutions in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.