The Pew Charitable Trusts. How Much Protection Does a College Degree Afford? The Impact of the Recession on Recent College Graduates. Author, Washington D.C., 2013. Pages: 32.

Drawing on data from the 2003-2011 Current Population Survey in the United States, this report examines the early labour market outcomes of recent college graduates aged 21 to 24 years-old. The overall conclusion of the report is that, despite the negative effects the recession has had on employment and wage levels of recent graduates, these effects have been much less pronounced for this group than for high school or associated degree holders. Indeed, the recession has increased the already existing gap between four-year college degree holders and those with a high school or associate degree, in respect to employment, earning levels and being employed in high skill jobs.

The Pew Charitable Trusts