A new report from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education has shed light on a significant disparity in post-graduate earnings among public college graduates. The study reveals notable gaps in median earnings between institutions, fields of study, and certain demographics.
According to the data, which spans from 2014 to 2018, students graduating with an associate's degree from Massachusetts public colleges can expect significantly higher median earnings compared to those who only finished high school five years later. Specifically, these graduates earn around $20,000 more annually than their counterparts in the general workforce.
However, the earnings landscape becomes more nuanced when examining bachelor's degrees. Holders of a four-year degree from state universities see a considerable boost in earnings, with median salaries averaging about $30,000 higher than those who only completed two years of post-secondary education.
Notably, the report highlights the Massachusetts Maritime Academy as one of the top performers, boasting an average annual salary of nearly $100,000 for its graduates five years after completion. This is significantly more than the next highest-earning institution and underscores the importance of vocational training in securing higher-paying jobs.
The study also notes that median earnings from community college graduates are generally lower, with 10 out of the 15 statewide institutions falling into the bottom half of the overall data. However, certain fields of study tend to yield higher salaries, including STEM subjects, health sciences, and trades.
Interestingly, the report reveals decreasing disparities in socioeconomic and racial groups among post-graduate earners. For instance, the gap between high-income and low-income high school graduates decreased from 35% to just 12% for associate's degree holders and a mere 8% for bachelor's degree recipients.
However, the study highlights a persistent earning disparity by gender, with female bachelor's degree recipients typically earning 10-20% less than their male counterparts. This translates to a $13,560 gap in median earnings for associate's degree holders and a $17,368 gap for bachelor's degree recipients five years after graduation.
The findings underscore the significance of public higher education in Massachusetts, suggesting that graduates from these institutions are more likely to stay in the state where they will contribute to the economy and communities.
According to the data, which spans from 2014 to 2018, students graduating with an associate's degree from Massachusetts public colleges can expect significantly higher median earnings compared to those who only finished high school five years later. Specifically, these graduates earn around $20,000 more annually than their counterparts in the general workforce.
However, the earnings landscape becomes more nuanced when examining bachelor's degrees. Holders of a four-year degree from state universities see a considerable boost in earnings, with median salaries averaging about $30,000 higher than those who only completed two years of post-secondary education.
Notably, the report highlights the Massachusetts Maritime Academy as one of the top performers, boasting an average annual salary of nearly $100,000 for its graduates five years after completion. This is significantly more than the next highest-earning institution and underscores the importance of vocational training in securing higher-paying jobs.
The study also notes that median earnings from community college graduates are generally lower, with 10 out of the 15 statewide institutions falling into the bottom half of the overall data. However, certain fields of study tend to yield higher salaries, including STEM subjects, health sciences, and trades.
Interestingly, the report reveals decreasing disparities in socioeconomic and racial groups among post-graduate earners. For instance, the gap between high-income and low-income high school graduates decreased from 35% to just 12% for associate's degree holders and a mere 8% for bachelor's degree recipients.
However, the study highlights a persistent earning disparity by gender, with female bachelor's degree recipients typically earning 10-20% less than their male counterparts. This translates to a $13,560 gap in median earnings for associate's degree holders and a $17,368 gap for bachelor's degree recipients five years after graduation.
The findings underscore the significance of public higher education in Massachusetts, suggesting that graduates from these institutions are more likely to stay in the state where they will contribute to the economy and communities.
. But what this report shows is that there's still a lot of inequality at play - not just between fields of study or socioeconomic groups, but even within the same group, like gender 
. It's like, you can have all the skills and knowledge in the world, but if the system isn't set up to support you, you're still gonna struggle.
. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is like a beacon of hope here... it shows us that there are pathways to success that don't necessarily involve a four-year degree 
.
. Is it because of systemic issues, or just a lack of awareness about certain fields of study? There's definitely food for thought here...
! I mean, can't we just get some kinda pay equity already?! 
The fact that female bachelor's degree recipients earn 10-20% less than their male counterparts is just, like, totally unfair 
. And don't even get me started on the socioeconomic and racial gaps getting smaller... it's a step in the right direction, but we still got a long way to go 
. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is literally making six figures after graduation? Like, how does that even work?! 
And it's crazy that some fields are way more lucrative than others - STEM and trades are killing it 
. But what I don't get is why there's still such a gap between men and women in terms of pay 
. And I'm glad to see that the state is recognizing the importance of public higher ed, it's not just about individual success, but also about contributing to the community 
.
. And it seems like community college graduates are still getting the short end of the stick compared to state universities.
. Maybe it's time for us to think more about vocational training and ways to close those earning gaps 
A $100k job from the Maritime Academy is great and all, but what about the ones who aren't as lucky? Like, 10 out of 15 community colleges are in the bottom half - that's just crazy. And don't even get me started on the pay gap between males and females... $13k to $17k less for a degree that should, like, theoretically give you equal opportunities or something 
And don't even get me started on the gender pay gap – 10-20% less for female bachelors? That's straight-up wrong 
. But at the same time, I'm stoked to see the Massachusetts Maritime Academy killin' it with those $100k salaries 
.