ERIC Number: ED616657
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2155-7535
EISSN: N/A
Using State Workforce Data to Report Graduate Outcomes. The AIR Professional File, Fall 2021. Article 154
Bryant, Matt
Association for Institutional Research
Survey methodology is the dominant approach among universities in the United States for reporting employment outcomes for recent graduates. However, past studies have shown that survey methodology may yield upwardly biased results, which can result in overreporting of employment rates and salary outcomes. This case study describes the development and application of an alternative reporting methodology, by which state wage records are analyzed to determine employment and salary outcomes for recent graduates. Findings at Western Washington University suggest the significant sample sizes that can be achieved using wage record methodology may provide a more reliable option than survey methodology for accurately reporting graduate outcomes. [This case study describes a process for refining and applying methodology outlined by David Troutman and Jessica Shedd in their 2016 article, "Using State Workforce Data to Examine Postgraduation Outcomes," (EJ1113094).]
Descriptors: Data Collection, Data Use, Labor Force, Institutional Research, College Graduates, Wages, Outcomes of Education, Income, Research Methodology, Data Analysis, Employment
Association for Institutional Research. 1435 East Piedmont Drive Suite 211, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Tel: 850-385-4155; Fax: 850-383-5180; e-mail: air@airweb.org; Web site: http://www.airweb.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association for Institutional Research (AIR)
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A