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The Labor-Market Returns to Community College Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Jepsen

    (University College Dublin)

  • Kenneth Troske

    (University of Kentucky)

  • Paul Coomes

    (University of Louisville)

Abstract

This paper provides among the first rigorous estimates of the labor-market returns to community college certificates and diplomas, as well as estimating the returns to the more commonly-studied associate’s degrees. Using administrative data from Kentucky, we estimate panel-data models that control for differences among students in pre-college earnings and educational aspirations. Associate’s degrees and diplomas have quarterly earnings returns of nearly $2,400 for women and $1,500 for men, compared with much smaller returns for certificates. There is substantial heterogeneity in returns across fields of study. Degrees, diplomas, and – for women – certificates correspond with higher levels of employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Jepsen & Kenneth Troske & Paul Coomes, 2012. "The Labor-Market Returns to Community College Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates," Working Papers 201223, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucn:wpaper:201223
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Returns to Education; Community Colleges;

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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