Most of today’s college students view having success in the workplace, earning a decent salary, and having a fulfilling career as key reasons for pursuing higher education. This sentiment is echoed by governors, state legislators, and higher education leaders who are looking at the labor market success of graduates to evaluate how well postsecondary institutions are preparing students to join the workforce and contribute to the economy.
However, there is a growing belief that colleges are not adequately preparing students for the jobs and careers needed in the 21st century and that a substantial gap exists between the training and education America’s college graduates receive and the skills today’s labor market demands.