U.S. One of Two Countries Where Kids' Educational Attainment is Lower Than Their Parents'

[one...two...tree 2,762]

According to a recent report, Americans aged 25–34 have attained less education than their parents' generation.

If the data cited by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) commission report is correct, the United States and Germany are the only two nations in the world where this holds true.

Indeed, while the United States ranks second among all nations in the proportion of population aged 35-64 with a college degree, we rank tenth in the percentage of those aged 25-34 with an associate's or high school degree.

To make matters worse, there's been a steady decline in American students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- while places like China and India are investing heavily in the infrastructures to support premier programs in those courses of study.

So while the U.S. presently continues to attract more international students than anywhere else, more and more of the best and brightest foreign students may be tempted to stay in their home countries, making it less likely that they'll bring their technical expertise to the United States' workforce.

The report doesn't really try to guess why this lower educational attainment and lowering interest in science, math, and engineering degrees have come about, but does note that tuition has increased at a pace that may make an education a non-option for many. Indeed, between 1958 and 2001, tuition increased at about double the rate as inflation.

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[jundp 191]

Hmmm...well, I am American of that age range and I have a double BA and an MA. Neither of my parents graduated from college. However, P is German in that age range and he has a BS/MS (Diplom Inf) but his father has a PhD and his mother a Master's. So maybe...

Perhaps it has to do with rising costs of education? I agree with that theory. If it makes anyone feel better my daughter is determined to be a science major

[AlHayatZween 2]

i believe it.

The costs of higher education are exorbitant these days. It makes it difficult to compete with counterparts elsewhere in the world who oftentimes get their Masters & PhDs for a fraction of the cost. But still, no one wants to change our system.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If it makes anyone feel better my daughter is determined to be a science major

That's awesome, Jen. I hope she perseveres!

(sending you a PM)

[jundp 191]

Thanks, Steven. She could do it. Last year she won first place in her entire school (about 400 kids) for the science fair.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Thanks, Steven. She could do it. Last year she won first place in her entire school (about 400 kids) for the science fair.

Congrats to her!

[Jenn! 918]

That's surprising. My university has seen something like a 35% tuition increase I believe since I graduated 8 years ago.

That reminds me that we really need to start Adam's college fund very soon.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Next step, compete in the Westinghouse National Science competition. Congratulations! Make her pursue science, keep her interested. One day she may become a doctor or an engineer. She'll take good care of you when you get older.

Thanks, Steven. She could do it. Last year she won first place in her entire school (about 400 kids) for the science fair.

[alienlovechild 75]

Thanks, Steven. She could do it. Last year she won first place in her entire school (about 400 kids) for the science fair.

My brother and sister-in-law both have their PhDs in the sciences. Gives their kids that boost during their homework and special projects.

Reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Homer made a crappy model of Westminster Abbey for Bart and won the school contest because it appeared to be the true work of a kid without the aid of a parent.

[slim 1,533]

It has nothing to do with any of that #######.

It has to do with the fact that at the end of the 1900s and early into 2000s high-paying jobs and cheap housing were available to pretty much anyone in both America and Germany. There was no need to go to school like there was for people older than that demographic.

Now that many jobs have disappeared and lending trends are going back where they were before that demographic was old enough to purchase a home, we'll start to see an increase in college educated people again - out of necessity.

[jundp 191]

Next step, compete in the Westinghouse National Science competition. Congratulations! Make her pursue science, keep her interested. One day she may become a doctor or an engineer. She'll take good care of you when you get older.

She wants to be a doctor -- cardiologist to be exact. Could happen. She'll have to take of me since my son is double-majoring in Medieval Studies and Linguistics...

My brother and sister-in-law both have their PhDs in the sciences. Gives their kids that boost during their homework and special projects.

Reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Homer made a crappy model of Westminster Abbey for Bart and won the school contest because it appeared to be the true work of a kid without the aid of a parent.