Experiences of 2015–16 Bachelor’s Degree Earners During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020

 

Today, NCES released Baccalaureate and Beyond (B&B:16/20): A First Look at the 2020 Experiences of 2015–16 College Graduates During the COVID-19 Pandemic, which presents the experiences of 2015–16 bachelor’s degree earners during the COVID-19 pandemic, 4 years after graduation. Tables in the report include information on professional and personal experiences, federal student loan repayment, employment status and characteristics, changes to work arrangements, and unemployment compensation. Key Findings— Twenty-six percent of 2015–16 bachelor’s degree earners said they worked more than desired due to the COVID-19 pandemic and 27 percent said they worked less than desired. Among graduates who were working for pay and for whom 4 years after bachelor’s degree completion was during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 51 percent said they were allowed to telecommute due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those who majored in education, 75 percent said they were allowed to telecommute due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among graduates for whom 4 years after bachelor’s degree completion was during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 13 percent said they received unemployment compensation due to the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2020. Among 2015–16 bachelor’s degree earners, 29 percent of American Indian or Alaska Native graduates said they took on additional family or child care responsibilities during the COVID 19 pandemic. Nineteen percent of Black and 19 percent of Hispanic or Latino graduates said they took on additional family or child care responsibilities. Fourteen percent of Asian graduates, 12 percent of those of Two or more races, and 11 percent of White graduates said they had additional family or child care responsibilities due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Thirteen percent of 2015–16 bachelor’s degree earners said they delayed enrolling in additional education or training, while 14 percent said they pursued additional education or training due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report uses data from the 2016/20 Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B:16/20).