2017-2018 College Track Annual Report CT_AR_JAN2019_digital | Page 17

Steps College Graduates Can Take to
Increase the ROI of Their Degree
We examined behaviors that lead to better career outcomes for some
students and found four concrete steps any student can take during
college to increase the value of their degree.
LOANS G PA
There is a dollar threshold where stu-
dent loans create too much financial
pressure. Graduates who borrow more
than $30,000 default and defer at con-
siderably higher rates. Graduates with higher GPAs in college
have higher salaries after graduation.
INTERNSHIPS
Multiple summer internships in a stu-
dent’s field of study open more doors
after college. The students with at least
two internships in college were more
likely to be employed within six months
of graduation, with a starting salary
above $50,000.
HOURS WORKED
Students who work fewer hours in
college have higher GPAs. We work
with students to find the balance
between financial aid and earned
income during college.
POST-COLLEGE OUTCOMES
PERCENTAGE OF B.A. HOLDERS WITH A
JOB WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATION (2016)
NATIONAL AVERAGE
COLLEGE TRACK
2017–2018 ANNUAL REPORT
70 %
64%
70%
of recent College Track
graduates were
employed within six
months of college
graduation, compared
to 64% nationally. *
NACE, FIRST DESTINATION SURVEY: 2014 TO 2016
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