New Research Finds Where You Live Shapes College ROI in California
California’s regional diversity is a strength of its economy and communities, but it also shapes the benefits of a college degree.
New research from California Competes, in partnership with College Futures Foundation and Strada Education Foundation, examines how college return on investment (ROI) varies across California’s regions. While college remains a strong investment overall, its economic returns vary depending on where California learners live.
- Overall: Within 10 years of graduation, 78% of bachelor’s degree holders and 62% of associate’s degree holders in California see a positive ROI.
- Bachelor’s degrees: The share of graduates who see a positive ROI is higher in coastal, urban regions and lower in inland areas, ranging from 70% in the Inland Empire to 84% in the Bay Area. This 14-point gap generally tracks with regional economic strength and wage premiums for such a degree.
- Associate’s degrees: That pattern breaks down, as the share seeing a positive ROI is lower in the Bay Area (55%) than in the Inland Empire (67%). Statewide variation ranges from 45% in the Upper Sacramento Valley to 72% on the Central Coast.
This is the second installment of our Degrees of Value series, building on prior analysis of ROI differences by race, ethnicity, and sex. As featured in Inside Higher Ed, these findings highlight where action is needed to ensure higher education delivers stronger, more equitable returns for all Californians.
Join the Conversation to Strengthen College ROI Across California
Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31, at 11:00 a.m. PT to dive deeper into the findings and learn how leaders across the state are working to improve college ROI:
- Dr. Keith Curry – President/CEO, Compton College
- Joshua Jackson – College Advisor, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Dr. Ashish Vaidya – President/CEO, Growing Inland Achievement
- Dr. Su Jin Jez – CEO, California Competes: Higher Education for a Strong Economy
- Amanda DeLaRosa (Moderator) – Director of Program and Strategy, College Futures Foundation
