SIO380: Does Which College You Go To Really Matter? (Part 2)
Aug 24, 2023
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Dr. Elizabeth, an expert in Organizational Psychology, dives into the research on college selection. Topics discussed include the impact of attending different types of schools, the relationship between college selectivity and earnings, the financial impact on men and women, completion rates and race/gender effects, the importance of college graduation, and the effects of college selectivity on job callbacks and salaries.
College selectivity has a positive impact on women's likelihood of working more and pursuing graduate degrees.
Racial disparities still exist within college selectivity, with white candidates receiving more callbacks than black candidates.
The value of a college education extends beyond job prospects and earnings and includes personal growth, engagement, and critical thinking skills.
Deep dives
Effect of College Selectivity on Students
College selectivity does not have a significant impact on well-educated, wealthy white men. However, it does have a positive effect on women's likelihood of working more and pursuing graduate degrees. Selective colleges can compensate for individuals who lack high SES connections, benefiting people of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Debt should be a consideration, as high levels of debt can have negative impacts on well-being and job satisfaction. It is not worth going into substantial debt just for the prestige of attending an elite institution. Overall, the benefits of college selectivity may be overstated, and financial considerations should be prioritized.
Factors Influencing Job Callbacks
Audit studies have shown that college selectivity plays a role in job callbacks. Candidates from more selective institutions are more likely to get callbacks. However, there are significant racial disparities within each selectivity category, with white candidates receiving more callbacks than black candidates. Even black candidates from elite institutions still receive fewer callbacks than white candidates from non-elite institutions. This highlights the presence of racial bias in hiring processes and demonstrates that college selectivity does not eliminate racial disparities.
Broader Outcomes and Considerations
College selectivity should not just be viewed through the lens of economic outcomes. The value of a college education extends beyond job prospects and earnings. It can shape individuals' perspectives, foster personal growth, and promote engagement with broader societal issues. Education quality, diversity, engagement, and affordability should also be taken into account when considering the value of a college education. The broader outcomes, such as job satisfaction, well-being, and critical thinking skills, should not be overlooked in the college selection process.
Limitations and Gaps in Knowledge
There are limitations and gaps in our understanding of the impact of college selectivity. It is challenging to capture all the variables and mechanisms at play in a single study. The complexity of factors such as fit, engagement, and network connections cannot be fully captured by selectivity alone. Additionally, more research is needed to explore the impact of selectivity on non-economic outcomes and to investigate other factors beyond selectivity that can contribute to academic and professional success.
Considerations for Parents
Parents should prioritize the financial aspects of college and avoid excessive debt. While college selectivity may have some impact on outcomes, the magnitude of the effect may not justify the significant cost difference between institutions. Other factors, such as fit, diversity, engagement, and affordability, should be considered to ensure a well-rounded college experience and positive outcomes beyond just economic success.
This is part 2! Make sure you listened to part 1! Dr. Elizabeth has a PhD in Organizational Psychology. She did a massive dive into the research on college selection and whether or not it makes a difference in outcomes. In part 2, we get to more recent studies and studies that looked at slightly different questions around this.
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