Appendix C. Responses to Survey Questionnaire

The question numbers noted here correspond to the numbering in the survey database. Although some numbers have been skipped or reordered, it is important to keep the numbering consistent for future database users.

3. What is the highest level of formal education you have completed?

Q3 response	Percent, except as noted
Less than high school	8.73
High school diploma or equivalent GED	23.93
Some college, no degree or certification	28.92
Certificate or technical degree	3.63
Associate degree	9.74
Bachelor's degree	18.28
Master's degree	4.89
Professional or doctorate degree	1.45
Other: Specify	0.43
Number of responses	2,035

4. Are you currently working as a paid employee?

Q4 response	Percent, except as noted
Yes	68.69
No	31.31
Number of responses	2,035

5. Are you currently employed full time? That is, do you typically work 35 hours or more per week at one job?

Q5 response	Percent, except as noted
Yes	66.04
No	33.96
Number of responses	1,468

8A. Are you currently looking for a paid job?

Q8A response	Percent, except as noted
Yes	44.29
No	55.71
Number of responses	567

6A. How many full-time paid jobs did you work at this week?

Q6A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.1
1	96.75
2	1.52
4	0.34
5	0.23
6	0.56
7	0.02
8	0.35
10	0.12
Number of responses	1,054

6B. How many part-time paid jobs did you work at this week?

Q6B response	Percent, except as noted
0	1.69
1	81.78
2	11.45
3	2.01
4	0.73
5	1.01
6	0.57
8	0.26
10	0.49
Number of responses	414

7. For your main job, that is the job where you work the most hours, what type of organization are you employed by?

Q7 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.5
Government	12.45
For profit	73.15
Nonprofit	13.9
Number of responses	1,468

7A. Is your main job, that is the job where you work the most hours, permanent/long-term or temporary?

Q7A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.43
Permanent/long-term	71.09
Temporary	20.6
I don't know	7.89
Number of responses	1,468

7B. How did you find your main job?

Q7B response	Percent, except as noted
I searched postings on my own	24.21
I used a temporary staffing agency	3.11
Career fair	3.42
Personal connection	33.05
Work study (or other student job)	19.7
Recruited by employer	5.82
Family business	2.29
Other: Specify	8.4
Number of responses	343

10. Please indicate whether each of the following reasons describes why you are not looking for a paid job:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
10_1. I am self-employed
Refused	5.96
Yes	15.62
No	78.42
Number of responses	310
10_2. I believe there is no work available for me
Refused	7.92
Yes	7.48
No	84.59
Number of responses	310
10_3. I need education/training to get a job
Refused	7.48
Yes	20.48
No	72.04
Number of responses	310
10_4. I am a student
Refused	4.91
Yes	45.47
No	49.62
Number of responses	310
10_5. I don't need or want a job
Refused	7.73
Yes	25.02
No	67.26
Number of responses	310
10_6. I have health problems
Refused	5.76
Yes	14.65
No	79.59
Number of responses	310
10_7. I am a homemaker/caring for family
Refused	5.38
Yes	32.26
No	62.37
Number of responses	310
10_8. I need transportation to get to and from work
Refused	7.28
Yes	10.96
No	81.76
Number of responses	310
10_9. I am disabled
Refused	6.6
Yes	14.03
No	79.37
Number of responses	310
10_10. I believe the work available does not pay enough to be worthwhile
Refused	7.73
Yes	9.81
No	82.46
Number of responses	310
10_11. Other: Specify
Refused	42.65
Yes	5.48
No	51.88
Number of responses	310

11. Do you currently

Q11 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.33
Own a business	4.04
Run a nonprofit enterprise	1.66
Neither	93.97
Number of responses	2,035

11A. Does anyone in your immediate family own a business or run a nonprofit enterprise?

Q11A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.05
Yes	16.07
No	78.02
I don't know	5.86
Number of responses	2,035

12. Do you currently earn any money from activities where you are "your own boss"?

Q12 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.03
Yes: specify	8.76
No	91.22
Number of responses	1,928

13. Do you currently have an unpaid job, such as an internship or a volunteer position?

Q13 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.31
Yes	10.83
No	88.87
Number of responses	2,035

2. Would you say your expectations about future job opportunities are

Q2 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.28
Optimistic	60.9
Pessimistic	10.44
Not sure	28.38
Number of responses	2,035

2AA. Please indicate whether any of the following factors listed below contribute to your current feelings of optimism about your future job opportunities:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
2AA_1. My current level of education and training
Refused	0.4
Yes	77.61
No	21.99
Number of responses	1,230
2AA_2. My field of study
Refused	0.59
Yes	75.52
No	23.89
Number of responses	1,230
2AA_3. I will have enough education and training in the future
Refused	0.58
Yes	81.14
No	18.28
Number of responses	1,230
2AA_4. My previous work experience
Refused	0.68
Yes	72.43
No	26.88
Number of responses	1,230
2AA_5. There is demand for the type of work I do
Refused	0.71
Yes	77.38
No	21.91
Number of responses	1,230
2AA_6. My local labor market provides many job opportunities
Refused	1.22
Yes	57.04
No	41.74
Number of responses	1,230

2A. Please use the following text box to describe in detail any additional factors that make you feel optimistic about your future job opportunities. [TEXT BOX]

2BB. Please indicate whether any of the following factors contribute to your current feelings of pessimism about your future job opportunities:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
2BB_1. My current level of education and training
Refused	0.84
Yes	66.96
No	32.20
Number of responses	219
2BB_2. My field of study
Refused	1.36
Yes	47.43
No	51.22
Number of responses	219
2BB_3. Lack of opportunities for education and training
Refused	1.36
Yes	51.11
No	47.53
Number of responses	219
2BB_4. Lack of previous work experience
Refused	0.65
Yes	68.24
No	31.11
Number of responses	219
2BB_5. Lack of demand for the type of work I do
Refused	1.17
Yes	46.52
No	52.32
Number of responses	219
2BB_6. My local labor market does not provide many job opportunities
Refused	0.04
Yes	56.88
No	43.08
Number of responses	219

2B. Please use the following text box to describe in detail any additional factors that make you feel pessimistic about your future job opportunities. [TEXT BOX]

2CC. Please indicate whether any of the following factors contribute to your feelings of being unsure about your future job opportunities:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
2CC_1. My current level of education and training
Refused	0.47
Yes	50.89
No	48.64
Number of responses	580
2CC_2. My field of study
Refused	0.91
Yes	34.28
No	64.81
Number of responses	580
2CC_3. Future opportunities for education and training
Refused	0.65
Yes	37.4
No	61.95
Number of responses	580
2CC_4. My previous work experience
Refused	0.71
Yes	35.72
No	63.57
Number of responses	580
2CC_5. The demand for the type of work I do
Refused	0.81
Yes	35.5
No	63.69
Number of responses	580
2CC_6. My local labor market
Refused	1.67
Yes	42.19
No	56.14
Number of responses	580

2C. Please use the following text box to describe in detail any additional factors that make you feel unsure about your future job opportunities. [TEXT BOX]

16. How are you paid at your main job (the job where you currently work the most hours)?

Q16 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.05
Hourly wage	70.99
Salary	25.59
Other	3.37
Number of responses	1,468

17. Approximately what is your hourly wage, before taxes, at your main job (include tips, overtime, and bonuses)?

Q17 response	Dollars
Mean	14.09
Minimum	1
Maximum	99.99
Standard deviation	10.01
Number of responses	912

18. Approximately what is your salary, before taxes, at your main job (include tips, overtime, and bonuses)?

Q18 response	Dollars
Mean	38,174.81
Minimum	1
Maximum	215,000
Standard deviation	34,678.77
Number of responses	475

18Y. Do you earn this amount

Q18Y response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.11
Weekly	14.11
Bi-weekly	26.41
Monthly	13.34
Annually	45.03
Number of responses	516

18X. Which one of the following BEST describes who you are living with?

Q18X response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.37
Living alone	8.31
Living with your immediate family (i.e., spouse/partner and/or dependent children)	36.65
Living with your parents (or your spouse/partner's parents)	38.58
Living with your extended family (e.g., siblings, cousins)	2.8
Living with roommate(s)	13.29
Number of responses	2,035

18Z. Do you (and your spouse or partner) pay rent or a mortgage at your current living arrangement?

Q18Z response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	2.55
(My partner and) I pay the full mortgage or rent	40.61
(My partner and) I contribute to mortgage or rent	17.43
(My partner and) I do not pay the mortgage or rent	39.41
Number of responses	2,035

18A. As a household, are you able to cover monthly expenses with your current household income?

Q18A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.39
Yes, my household can always cover monthly expenses	73.8
No, sometimes my household is not able to cover monthly expenses	20.24
No, my household can never cover monthly expenses	4.56
Number of responses	2,035

18AA. In the months that you are unable to cover your monthly expenses, please indicate whether you use any of the following resources to meet this monthly challenge:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
18AA_1. I borrow money from family
Refused	1.24
Yes	55.17
No	43.59
Number of responses	529
18AA_2. I borrow money from friends
Refused	1.78
Yes	17.23
No	80.99
Number of responses	529
18AA_3. I do not pay full balance on my credit card(s)/I increase my credit card balance
Refused	1.48
Yes	41.31
No	57.21
Number of responses	529
18AA_4. I do not pay some or all of my bills
Refused	0.41
Yes	51.07
No	48.52
Number of responses	529
18AA_5. I take out a loan (e.g., payday loan, home-equity loan)
Refused	1.42
Yes	16.81
No	81.78
Number of responses	529
18AA_6. I use my savings
Refused	1.13
Yes	40.87
No	57.99
Number of responses	529
18AA_7. I reduce my monthly expenses
Refused	0.43
Yes	64.13
No	35.43
Number of responses	529
18AA_8. Other: specify
Refused	43.7
Yes	4.07
No	52.23
Number of responses	529

18C. Did you incur debt to pay for any portion of your education or training?

Q18C response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.36
Yes	36.44
No	63.2
Number of responses	2,035

18D. Please check off any of the following expenses that your parents or other family members currently help you with financially (please do not include assistance from your spouse/partner):

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
18D_1. Living situation (e.g., mortgage, rent, or just living with parents or relatives)
Refused	0.48
Yes	47.56
No	51.96
Number of responses	2,035
18D_2. Health-care costs
Refused	0.36
Yes	36.01
No	63.63
Number of responses	2,035
18D_3. Car payment/insurance/maintenance
Refused	0.58
Yes	30.76
No	68.66
Number of responses	2,035
18D_4. Education tuition/loans
Refused	0.46
Yes	26.06
No	73.47
Number of responses	2,035
18D_5. Food
Refused	0.63
Yes	48.05
No	51.32
Number of responses	2,035
18D_6. Miscellaneous bills (e.g., cell phone bill, Amazon Prime)
Refused	0.4
Yes	40.11
No	59.48
Number of responses	2,035
18D_7. Savings
Refused	1.05
Yes	12.38
No	86.57
Number of responses	2,035
18D_8. Expenses for children
Refused	1.45
Yes	10.27
No	88.28
Number of responses	2,035
18D_9. Other: specify
Refused	32.86
Yes	2.15
No	65
Number of responses	2,035

18E. Do you use government programs to help you financially (e.g., TANF, Housing Voucher)? Please do not include student loans or grants here.

Q18E response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.15
Yes	9.45
No	90.4
Number of responses	2,035

19A. What was the primary language spoken in your home when you were growing up?

Q19A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.29
Arabic	0.39
Chinese	1.67
English	85.82
French	0.06
German	0.18
Korean	0.54
Russian	0.26
Spanish	7.55
Tagalog	0.43
Vietnamese	0.46
Other: specify	2.34
Number of responses	2,035

19B. What was the highest level of education achieved by your mother and father?
If not the same, please indicate the education achieved by the parent who obtained the greatest level of education.

Q19B response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.19
Less than high school	6.85
High school diploma or equivalent GED	24.31
Some college, no degree or certification	13.28
Certificate or technical degree	5.53
Associate degree	8.6
Bachelor's degree	19.89
Master's degree	12.78
Professional or doctorate degree	5.36
I don't know	3.21
Number of responses	2,035

19Y.

1. [if Q3 = 3] What is the name of the school you are enrolled in, or were most recently enrolled in?
2. [if Q3 = 4] What is the name of the school where you most recently earned a certificate or technical degree?
3. [if Q3 = 5] What is the name of the school from which you received your associate degree?
4. [if Q3 = 6 - 8] What is the name of the school from which you received your bachelor's degree?

19X. Which one of the following broad categories best describes your most recent educational program?

Q19X response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.59
Humanities	5.07
Social/behavioral sciences	9.41
Life sciences	4.3
Physical sciences/math	4.82
Computer/information sciences	7.07
Engineering	8.76
Education	6.41
Business/management	14.64
Health	13.46
Law	4.06
Vocational/technical training	4.72
Undeclared	5.64
Other: Specify	11.04
Number of responses	1,527

20. Do you believe you now have the level of education and training needed for the type of job that you would like to hold in the next five years?

Q20 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.12
Yes	41.45
No	40.42
Don't know	18.01
Number of responses	2,035

20A. Why do you believe you need more education?

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
Q20A_1. I want to change job/career
Refused	1.27
Yes	53.44
No	45.29
Number of responses	741
Q20A_2. I want greater opportunities for promotions and advancement
Refused	0.45
Yes	75.8
No	23.76
Number of responses	741
Q20A_3. My family expects me to have a higher level of education
Refused	1.04
Yes	49
No	49.96
Number of responses	741
Q20A_4. The labor market demands a higher level of education
Refused	1.45
Yes	72.01
No	26.53
Number of responses	741
Q20A_5. My line of work requires more education
Refused	0.71
Yes	61.1
No	38.19
Number of responses	741
Q20A_6. I need more education to land a job
Refused	0.95
Yes	67.96
No	31.1
Number of responses	741
Q20A_7. Other: specify
Refused	44.98
Yes	4.66
No	50.35
Number of responses	741

21. Are you currently enrolled in a certificate or degree program?

Q21 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.33
Yes	28.1
No	71.57
Number of responses	2,035

21A. You just reported that you are not enrolled in a certificate or degree program. Have you started a certificate or degree program that you have not yet completed?

Q21A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.56
Yes	13.46
No	85.98
Number of responses	1,550

21B. How long has it been since you were enrolled in the certificate or degree program that you started?

Q21B response	Percent, except as noted
Less than one year	27.65
One to two years	31.62
More than two years	37.28
I don't know	3.45
Number of responses	179

21C. How likely are you to complete the certificate or degree program that you started?

21C response	Percent, except as noted
I definitely will complete the program	40.9
I probably will complete the program	20.04
I am not sure if I will complete the program	24.97
I probably will not complete the program	5.14
I definitely will not complete the program	8.95
Number of responses	179

21CC. Please indicate whether any of the following reasons describe why you may not complete the certificate or degree program you started:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
21CC_1. I don't believe the program will improve my job opportunities
Refused	0.95
Yes	34.11
No	64.95
Number of responses	88
21CC_2. I need to work instead
Refused	0.95
Yes	60.68
No	38.37
Number of responses	88
21CC_3. I can't afford to complete
Refused	0.95
Yes	56.34
No	42.71
Number of responses	88
21CC_4. I don't want to borrow (more) money to complete
Refused	0.95
Yes	50.57
No	48.48
Number of responses	88
21CC_5. I have family responsibilities
Refused	0.95
Yes	48.05
No	51
Number of responses	88
21CC_6. The program is too challenging
Refused	0.95
Yes	14.72
No	84.34
Number of responses	88
21CC_7. I am concerned that even after the program, I will not land a job in my field of interest
Refused	0.95
Yes	45.46
No	53.59
Number of responses	88
21CC_8. Other: specify
Refused	43.12
Yes	17.48
No	39.4
Number of responses	88

22. Are you currently enrolled full time or part time?

Q22 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.75
Full time	73.22
Part time	26.03
Number of responses	478

23. What type of certification or degree program are you enrolled in?

Q23 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.29
High school diploma or equivalent GED	3.59
Certificate or technical degree	7.77
Associate degree	22.76
Bachelor's degree	55.49
Master's degree	5.07
Professional or doctorate degree	3.75
Other: Specify	1.29
Number of responses	478

23A. Do you attend classes in person or online?

Q23A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.35
In person	70.6
Online	9.79
Both	19.26
Number of responses	478

23C. Are you currently enrolled in any training program that will not lead to a certificate or degree?

Q23C response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.5
Yes	4.96
No	94.54
Number of responses	2,035

23D. What type of training program are you enrolled in? [TEXT BOX]

24. Please indicate whether you used any of the following forms of financing for your most recent educational program:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
24_1. I paid with my own savings
Refused	1.15
Yes	37.62
No	61.23
Number of responses	1,527
24_2. I worked while in school
Refused	1.36
Yes	62.42
No	36.22
Number of responses	1,527
24_3. My parents contributed (with or without the use of loans)
Refused	1.75
Yes	52.25
No	46
Number of responses	1,527
24_4. Financial-aid based grant (including Pell Grant and FAFSA grants)
Refused	1.23
Yes	45.56
No	53.21
Number of responses	1,527
24_5. Financial-aid based loans (including FAFSA loans)
Refused	1.41
Yes	46.06
No	52.53
Number of responses	1,527
24_6. Tuition reimbursement from employer (including military)
Refused	2.36
Yes	10.09
No	87.55
Number of responses	1,527
24_7. Academic scholarship
Refused	1.71
Yes	39.34
No	58.96
Number of responses	1,527
24_8. Other: specify
Refused	38.89
Yes	2.77
No	58.35
Number of responses	1,527

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

24B. How would you say the lifetime financial benefits of your most recent educational program compare to the financial costs of this education?

24B response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.68
The financial benefits are MUCH LARGER than the costs	22.66
The financial benefits are SOMEWHAT LARGER than the costs	18.28
The financial benefits are ABOUT THE SAME as the costs	11.96
The financial benefits are SOMEWHAT SMALLER than the costs	7.82
The financial benefits are MUCH SMALLER than the costs	6.86
I don't know	31.73
Number of responses	2,035

24C. How would you say the financial benefits of your undergraduate educational program compare to the financial costs of this education?

24C response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.81
The financial benefits are MUCH LARGER than the costs	26.6
The financial benefits are SOMEWHAT LARGER than the costs	24.3
The financial benefits are ABOUT THE SAME as the costs	22.42
The financial benefits are SOMEWHAT SMALLER than the costs	10.57
The financial benefits are MUCH SMALLER than the costs	4.43
I don't know	9.87
Number of responses	168

24D. Please explain why you believe the financial benefits of your undergraduate program are larger than the costs. [TEXT BOX]

24E. Please explain why you do not believe the financial benefits of your undergraduate program are larger or smaller than the costs. [TEXT BOX]

24DD. Please explain why you believe the financial benefits of your undergraduate program are smaller than the costs. [TEXT BOX]

25. Are you interested in obtaining additional education or training?

Q25 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.23
Yes	49.55
No	26.48
I don't know	23.75
Number of responses	1,557

26. Seeing as you may be interested in additional education or training, please indicate the primary reason you are not enrolled:

Q26 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	2.91
I don't know which program will improve my job opportunities	12.72
I don't know where to enroll	2.22
I can't afford to enroll	20.88
I don't want to borrow money to enroll	9.35
I don't meet the requirements to enroll	3.55
The schedule does not work for me	7.25
The program is not offered at my local institutions	1.68
I am concerned that the program will be too challenging	0.67
I am concerned that even after the program, I will not land a job in my field of interest	2.46
I have family responsibilities	13.48
I am in the process of applying	9.44
I am gaining work experience	13.38
Number of responses	1,123

26A. Seeing as you may be interested in additional education, please indicate how much each of these other reasons describe why you are not enrolled:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
26A_1. I don't know which program will improve my job opportunities
Refused	4.25
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	16.03
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	29.12
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	46.80
Number of responses	1,123
26A_2. I don't know where to enroll
Refused	4.43
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	6.86
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	26.34
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	62.37
Number of responses	1,123
26A_3. I can't afford to enroll
Refused	4.4
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	32.97
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	27.63
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	35
Number of responses	1,123
26A_4. I don't want to borrow money to enroll
Refused	4.11
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	32.84
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	30.59
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	32.46
Number of responses	1,123
26A_5. I don't meet the requirements to enroll
Refused	4.81
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	8.28
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	21.91
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	65
Number of responses	1,123
26A_6. The schedule does not work for me
Refused	4.71
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	17.44
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	31.06
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	46.08
Number of responses	1,123
26A_7. The program is not offered at my local institutions
Refused	4.78
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	7.08
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	21.45
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	66.69
Number of responses	1,123
26A_8. I am concerned that the program will be too challenging
Refused	4.69
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	5.87
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	22.72
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	66.72
Number of responses	1,123
26A_9. I am concerned that even after the program, I will not land a job in my field of interest
Refused	4.65
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	11.79
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	29.01
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	54.55
Number of responses	1,123
26A_10. I have family responsibilities
Refused	3.97
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	25.47
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	23.16
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	47.4
Number of responses	1,123
26A_11. I am in the process of applying
Refused	4.73
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	10.83
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	14.75
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	69.69
Number of responses	1,123
26A_12. I am gaining work experience
Refused	4.22
Very much describes why I am not enrolled	14.69
Somewhat describes why I am not enrolled	28.62
Does not describe why I am not enrolled	52.47
Number of responses	1,123

27. During high school, did you work for pay?

Q27 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.37
Yes	53.49
No	46.15
Number of responses	2,035

28. During high school, did you receive information about jobs and careers?

Q28 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.28
Yes	66.43
No	21.49
I don't know	10.25
I did not attend high school	1.55
Number of responses	2,035

29. During high school, where did you obtain information about jobs and careers?

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
29_1. Parent(s)
No	43.68
Yes	56.32
Number of responses	1,316
29_2. Friends and family
No	51.35
Yes	48.65
Number of responses	1,316
29_3. High school teacher or counselor
No	24.26
Yes	75.74
Number of responses	1,316
29_4. Online research
No	58.58
Yes	41.42
Number of responses	1,316
29_5. Employment services agency
No	89.26
Yes	10.74
Number of responses	1,316
29_6. A business where I worked
No	93.32
Yes	6.68
Number of responses	1,316
29_7. [Other: specify] During high school, where did you obtain information about jobs?
No	97.47
Yes	2.53
Number of responses	1,316

30. Did the information you received from your high school help you get a job?

Q30 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.06
Yes	23.55
No	66.47
Don't know	9.92
Number of responses	1,006

31. During college, did you work for pay?

Q31 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.4
Yes	77.23
No	22.37
Number of responses	1,527

32. During college, did you hold an internship(s)?

Q32 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.2
Yes, one or more paid internships	15.03
Yes, one or more unpaid internships	13.61
Yes, both paid and unpaid internships	3.33
No, I did not hold an internship	67.84
Number of responses	1,527

32A. Did you receive academic credit for the internship?

Q32A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.06
Yes	57.17
No	42.77
Number of responses	551

32B. Was the internship worthwhile?

Q32B response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.22
Yes, it led to a job	25.71
Yes, it improved my skills	57.67
Yes, it led to other benefits	5.61
No, it was not worth it	8.51
I don't know	2.28
Number of responses	551

33. During college, did you work or intern during the school year?

Q33 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.3
Yes	68.62
No	31.08
Number of responses	1,297

34. During college, did you receive information about jobs and careers?

Q34 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.24
Yes	69.31
No	20.97
I don't know	9.48
Number of responses	1,527

35. During college, where did you obtain information about jobs and careers?

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
35_1. Parent(s)
No	62.65
Yes	37.35
Number of responses	1,065
35_2. Friends and family
No	56.72
Yes	43.28
Number of responses	1,065
35_3. College professor or counselor
No	29.48
Yes	70.52
Number of responses	1,065
35_4. Online research
No	42.88
Yes	57.12
Number of responses	1,065
35_5. Employment services agency
No	84.7
Yes	15.3
Number of responses	1,065
35_6. A business where I worked
No	87.16
Yes	12.84
Number of responses	1,065
35_7. On-campus recruitment
No	55.05
Yes	44.95
Number of responses	1,065
35_8. Career fair (not sponsored by college)
No	77.09
Yes	22.91
Number of responses	1,065
35_9. Other: specify
No	98.46
Yes	1.54
Number of responses	1,065

36. Did the information you received from your college help you get a job?

Q36 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.54
Yes	38.24
No	43.78
I don't know	17.44
Number of responses	770

37. Are you working in a career field that is closely related to your education and training?

Q37 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.72
Yes	43.31
No	50.18
I don't know	5.79
Number of responses	1,468

37A. Are you currently working on campus (e.g., work study, residents assistant, research assistant)?

Q37A response	Percent, except as noted
Yes	21.68
No	78.32
Number of responses	317

38. How qualified would you describe yourself for performing the tasks required of your main job (the job where you work the most hours)? Do you think you are...

Q38 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.39
Overqualified	25.86
Adequately qualified	62.82
In need of additional training	10.93
Number of responses	1,468

39. Do you consider your main job (the job where you work the most hours) to be a career, a stepping stone to a career, or just a job to get you by?

Q39 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.31
Career	27.24
Stepping stone to a career	32.61
Just a job	39.84
Number of responses	1,468

40. When you last searched for a job, please indicate whether you used each of the following strategies during the whole process:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
40_1. I contacted the employer directly
Refused	1.2
Yes	60.19
No	38.62
Number of responses	1,468
40_2. My parent(s) provided a contact
Refused	2.12
Yes	13.53
No	84.35
Number of responses	1,468
40_3. Other family and friends provided a contact
Refused	1.99
Yes	25.55
No	72.46
Number of responses	1,468
40_4. Services from school, teacher, professor, or counselor
Refused	1.98
Yes	13.62
No	84.4
Number of responses	1,468
40_5. Services from an employment center
Refused	2.1
Yes	12.03
No	85.87
Number of responses	1,468
40_6. Searched electronic job boards (e.g., Monster, CareerBuilder, Craigslist, Indeed)
Refused	1.71
Yes	37.98
No	60.3
Number of responses	1,468
40_7. Posted online resume/advertisement (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Craigslist)
Refused	2.12
Yes	22.88
No	75
Number of responses	1,468
40_8. Career fair
Refused	2.25
Yes	13.15
No	84.6
Number of responses	1,468
40_9. Recruited by employer
Refused	2.33
Yes	17.39
No	80.29
Number of responses	1,468
40_10. New job within company I was already employed by
Refused	2.53
Yes	9.83
No	87.64
Number of responses	1,468
40_11. Other: specify
Refused	34.81
Yes	2.32
No	62.86
Number of responses	1,468

41. Have you been promoted with a pay increase since you started your main job (the job where you work the most hours)?

Q41 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.93
Yes	50.99
No	48.07
Number of responses	1,468

42. Are there opportunities for advancement with a pay increase at your main job (the job where you work the most hours)?

Q42 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.94
Yes	47.93
No	29.25
I don't know	21.88
Number of responses	684

43. How quickly do you expect to be promoted?

Q43 response	Percent, except as noted
Within the next six months	21.58
Within the next year	25.1
Within the next two years	15.01
In more than two years	4.68
I do not expect to be promoted	15.34
I don't know	18.3
Number of responses	326

44. How many hours did you work last week at all of your paid jobs combined?

Q44 response	Hours
Mean	39.23
Standard deviation	14.91
Minimum	0
Maximum	168
Number of responses	1,225

45. Compared to the number of hours you worked last week, would you prefer to:

Q45 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.55
Work more hours	25.08
Work about the same number of hours	58.01
Work less hours	16.36
Number of responses	1,468

46. What is the main reason you are seeking more hours?

Q46 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.11
To pay my living expenses	40.07
To pay off debt	15.37
To increase my savings	35.3
To gain more work experience	3.37
Other: specify	5.77
Number of responses	326

48. Is your work schedule for your job or jobs:

Q48 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.4
Fairly consistent	63.06
Changes day-to-day	14.24
Changes week-to-week	18.82
Changes month-to-month	3.48
Number of responses	1,468

48A. Are more than half of your work hours "non-standard" hours (e.g., night shift, swing shift, weekends)?

Q48A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.61
Yes	29.5
No	64.06
I don't know	5.82
Number of responses	1,468

49. Please indicate whether each of the following is a reason that you are currently working part time rather than full time:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
49_1. I prefer part-time work
Refused	3.17
Yes	51.27
No	45.56
Number of responses	414
49_2. My employer cut my hours due to business conditions
Refused	3.01
Yes	12.36
No	84.62
Number of responses	414
49_3. I could only find part-time work
Refused	3.29
Yes	33.9
No	62.81
Total	100
Number of responses	414
49_4. I am enrolled in school/training program
Refused	1.57
Yes	58.49
No	39.93
Number of responses	414
49_5. I am caring for young children
Refused	2.68
Yes	14.21
No	83.1
Number of responses	414
49_6. I have family responsibilities
Refused	2.77
Yes	20.4
No	76.83
Number of responses	414
49_7. I have health problems
Refused	3.37
Yes	7.31
No	89.32
Number of responses	414
49_8. Other: Specify
Refused	38.52
Yes	3.92
No	57.56
Number of responses	414

50. A year from now, do you expect to have a full-time job (35 hours or more per week) with a single employer?

Q50 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.32
Yes	40.59
No	38.93
I don't know	20.16
Number of responses	414

51. A year from now do you expect to be working full time (35 hours or more per week) but for more than one employer?

Q51 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.48
Yes	17.05
No	61.03
I don't know	21.45
Number of responses	414

52. How long have you been employed at your main job, the job where you work the most hours?

Q52 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.46
Less than two months	8.36
Two to six months	19.42
More than six months, but less than one year	12.88
One to two years	21.77
More than two years	37.12
Number of responses	1,468

53. Do you think you can continue to work at your main job as long as you wish?

Q53 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.42
Yes	75.51
No	9.97
I don't know	14.1
Number of responses	1,468

54. How much longer do you expect to be at your main job (the job where you work the most hours)?

Q54 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.3
Less than two months	5.04
Two to six months	10.1
More than six months, but less than one year	12.01
One to two years	18.86
More than two years	29.92
I don't know	23.76
Number of responses	1,468

55. What is the most important reason you expect to leave your main job within a year?

Q55 response	Percent, except as noted
Job is temporary	14.46
Business conditions may cause my employer to cut back	3.57
New technology will eliminate my job	0.69
I want to be my own boss	3.50
I am moving	11.18
I will get another job	40.16
I will be attending school	14.66
Family responsibilities	6.05
I have health problems	0.53
Other: Specify	5.20
Number of responses	366

57. Do you receive overtime pay, tips or commissions from any of your paid jobs?

Q57 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.67
Yes	41.08
No	58.25
Number of responses	1,468

58. How satisfied are you with the total amount of salary or wages you earn from the paid job or jobs you now hold?

Q58 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.37
Very satisfied	18.83
Somewhat satisfied	42.22
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied	17.61
Somewhat dissatisfied	14.06
Very dissatisfied	6.91
Number of responses	1,468

59A. If you were out of work for the next four weeks, would you able to pay your living expenses?

Q59A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.44
Yes	46.59
No	37.94
I don't know	15.03
Number of responses	1,468

59B. If you were out of work for the next three months, would you able to pay your living expenses?

Q59B response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.52
Yes	44.68
No	29.03
I don't know	25.77
Number of responses	893

60. How satisfied are you with the benefits you currently receive from your employer or employers?

Q60 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.79
Very satisfied	21.13
Somewhat satisfied	27.86
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied	30.17
Somewhat dissatisfied	8.62
Very dissatisfied	11.43
Number of responses	1,468

61. Do you receive paid time off for sick leave and/or holidays from any of your paid jobs?

Q61 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.49
Yes	56.31
No	43.2
Number of responses	1,468

62. Do you have health insurance from any source?

Q62 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.47
Yes	82.78
No	16.74
Number of responses	1,468

63. Do you receive this health insurance either through an employer or employment agency?

Q63 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.36
Yes	58.48
No	41.16
Number of responses	1,238

64. Does your employer pay for:

Q64 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.03
All of your health insurance premium	21.62
Part of your health insurance premium	62.45
None of your health insurance premium	14.9
Number of responses	796

65. Do you have training opportunities through an employer or employers?

Q65 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.65
Yes	42.52
No	37.8
I don't know	19.02
Number of responses	1,468

66. Please review the following benefits and rank the three benefits that are most important to you to receive from an employer. If there is a benefit(s) that are not provided in the list, there is room for you to write in your own benefit preferences. Please use "1" for the most important benefit, "2" for the second most important benefit, and "3" for the third most important benefit.

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
66_1. Paid sick leave and/or holidays
Refused	1.42
1	26.66
2	27.29
3	19.86
Not selected	24.76
Number of responses	1,468
66_2. Health insurance
Refused	1.42
1	40.93
2	22.97
3	12.19
Not selected	22.49
Number of responses	1,468
66_3. Tuition reimbursement
Refused	1.42
1	4.59
2	5.13
3	8.46
Not selected	80.4
Number of responses	1,468
66_4. Student loan repayment
Refused	1.42
1	4.99
2	5.3
3	6.91
Not selected	81.38
Number of responses	1,468
66_5. Contribution to tax-deferred savings account (e.g., 401(k) or retirement account)
Refused	1.42
1	7.81
2	15.12
3	18.46
Not selected	57.19
Number of responses	1,468
66_6. Matching contributions to savings accounts
Refused	1.42
1	2.87
2	5.47
3	7.82
Not selected	82.43
Number of responses	1,468
66_7. Professional training
Refused	1.42
1	4.57
2	5.9
3	8.29
Not selected	79.83
Number of responses	1,468
66_8. Flexible schedule
Refused	1.42
1	14.46
2	13.74
3	16.55
Not selected	53.84
Number of responses	1,468
66_9. Work-from-home capability
Refused	1.42
1	3.48
2	3.36
3	5.33
Not Selected	86.41
Number of responses	1,468
66_10. Other: specify
Refused	1.42
1	1.4
2	2.09
3	1.83
Not Selected	93.27
Number of responses	1,468

67. Are you a member of a labor union or an employee association similar to a union?

Q67 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.57
Yes	7.48
No	88.08
I don't know	3.87
Number of responses	1,468

68A. How many full-time, paid jobs have you had during the past year?

Q68A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	2.56
0	38.47
1	46.27
2	9.9
3	1.53
4	0.5
5	0.17
6	0.27
8	0.06
10	0.11
20	0.04
40	0.09
67	0.01
99	0.02
Number of responses	2,035

68B. How many part-time, paid jobs have you had during the past year?

Q68B response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	2.32
0	51.54
1	29.75
2	10.3
3	3.17
4	1.11
5	0.9
6	0.45
7	0.05
8	0.15
10	0.13
12	0.06
18	0.01
20	0.04
25	0.03
Number of responses	2,035

68C. Did you work at more than one of these jobs at the same time?

Q68C response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.09
Yes	38.28
No	61.63
Number of responses	796

69D. How satisfied are you with your full- and part-time job arrangements over the past year?

Q69D response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.78
Very satisfied	24.31
Somewhat satisfied	49.72
Somewhat dissatisfied	17.41
Very dissatisfied	7.78
Number of responses	796

69EE. Please indicate whether any of the following factors made you feel satisfied with your job arrangements over the past five years:

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
69EE_1. Wages or salary (including any bonus and tips)
Refused	2.44
Yes	71.7
No	25.86
Number of responses	597
69EE_2. Number of hours
Refused	2.51
Yes	81.83
No	15.66
Number of responses	597
69EE_3. Regular schedule
Refused	3.05
Yes	71.69
No	25.26
Number of responses	597
69EE_4. Flexible schedule
Refused	2.35
Yes	72.85
No	24.8
Number of responses	597
69EE_5. Opportunities for promotion/advancement
Refused	4.09
Yes	45.63
No	50.28
Total	100
Number of responses	597
69EE_6. Friendly environment
Refused	3.45
Yes	78.01
No	18.53
Number of responses	597
69EE_7. Long-term position
Refused	3.38
Yes	58.56
No	38.06
Number of responses	597
69EE_8. Health insurance
Refused	3.2
Yes	41.23
No	55.57
Number of responses	597
69EE_9. Convenient location/easy commute
Refused	3.02
Yes	72.1
No	24.88
Number of responses	597
69EE_10. Good work experience for resume
Refused	3.55
Yes	72.83
No	23.62
Number of responses	597
69EE_11. Other: specify
Refused	52.48
Yes	2.82
No	44.71
Number of responses	597

69FF. Please indicate whether any of the following factors made you feel dissatisfied with your job arrangements over the past five years.

Questionnaire number, question and response	Percent, except as noted
69FF_1. Wages or salary (including any bonus and tips)
Refused	1.59
Yes	66.16
No	32.26
Number of responses	193
69FF_2. Too many hours
Refused	1.53
Yes	35.78
No	62.68
Number of responses	193
69FF_3. Too few hours
Refused	0.94
Yes	46.41
No	52.66
Number of responses	193
69FF_4. Schedule changes
Refused	2.64
Yes	56.43
No	40.94
Number of responses	193
69FF_5. Lack of opportunities for promotion/advancement
Refused	0.94
Yes	64.91
No	34.16
Number of responses	193
69FF_6. Stressful work environment
Refused	0.65
Yes	67.07
No	32.28
Number of responses	193
69FF_7. Temporary position
Refused	1.82
Yes	37.7
No	60.48
Number of responses	193
69FF_8. Lack of benefits
Refused	1.82
Yes	58.8
No	39.37
Number of responses	193
69FF_9. Location
Refused	2.86
Yes	30.83
No	66.31
Number of responses	193
69FF_10. Lack of job security
Refused	1.53
Yes	47.47
No	51
Number of responses	193
69FF_11. Other: specify
Refused	49.25
Yes	5.4
No	45.35
Number of responses	193

70A. Looking to the future, approximately how many full-time, paid jobs do you expect to have in the next year?

Q70A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	3.95
0	23.39
1	63.66
2	7.1
3	0.95
4	0.36
5	0.25
6	0.04
8	0.08
12	0.12
14	0.01
16	0.08
Number of responses	2,035

70B. Looking to the future, approximately how many part-time, paid jobs do you expect to have in the next year?

Q70B	Percent, except as noted
Refused	4.74
0	49.27
1	34.68
2	7.89
3	1.67
4	0.97
5	0.29
6	0.04
7	0.12
8	0.09
9	0.02
10	0.06
12	0.01
15	0.05
19	0.08
90	0.01
Number of responses	2,035

70C. Do you expect to work at more than one of these jobs at the same time?

Q70C response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	0.12
Yes	44.54
No	55.34
Number of responses	732

56. If you had to choose, is it more important to have a job that pays more or a job that is more likely to provide steady employment?

Q56 response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	2.03
Higher pay	35.53
Steady employment	62.45
Number of responses	2,035

56A. If you had steady work for the next five years, would you prefer to have one job or multiple jobs?

Q56A response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.38
One job for the next five years	77
Multiple jobs over the next five years (only one job at a time)	13.72
Multiple jobs over the next five years (okay with more than one job at a time)	7.9
Number of responses	2,035

56B. When you think about your job future, not including campus jobs and internships, what is the ideal amount of time to stay in the same job?

Q56B response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.17
No more than one year	2.5
No more than two years	6.06
No more than five years	10.93
No more than 10 years	4.82
There ideal amount of time to stay at a job	53.78
I don't know	20.74
Number of responses	2,035

56D. When you reach your parents' current age, how do you expect your standard of living to compare to their current standard of living?

Q56D response	Percent, except as noted
Refused	1.01
I expect to have a HIGHER STANDARD of living than my parents	52.18
I expect to have the SAME STANDARD of living than my parents	26.32
I expect to have a LOWER STANDARD of living than my parents	6.62
I don't know	13.86
Number of responses	2,035

Summary Demographics

Age

	Percent, except as noted
18	7.58
19	6.2
20	7.68
21	6.22
22	8.22
23	7.74
24	9.56
25	7.88
26	7.56
27	8.18
28	7.1
29	6.65
30	9.43
Number of responses	2,035

Race/ethnicity

	Percent, except as noted
White, non-Hispanic	56
Black, non-Hispanic	13.71
Other, non-Hispanic	7.3
Hispanic	20.89
2+ races, non-Hispanic	2.1
Number of responses	2,035

Household income

	Percent, except as noted
Less than $5,000	3.29
$5,000 to $7,499	1.75
$7,500 to $9,999	1.57
$10,000 to $12,499	2.34
$12,500 to $14,999	1.8
$15,000 to $19,999	2.55
$20,000 to $24,999	3.39
$25,000 to $29,999	4.54
$30,000 to $34,999	4.92
$35,000 to $39,999	4.78
$40,000 to $49,999	7.99
$50,000 to $59,999	9.9
$60,000 to $74,999	9.17
$75,000 to $84,999	9.16
$85,000 to $99,999	9.73
$100,000 to $124,999	10.51
$125,000 to $149,999	4.84
$150,000 to $174,999	3.61
$175,000 or more	4.16
Number of responses	2,035

MSA status

	Percent, except as noted
Non-metro	13.33
Metro	86.67
Number or responses	2,035

Region 4--Based on state of residence

	Percent, except as noted
Northeast	18.18
Midwest	20.75
South	36.82
West	24.25
Number of responses	2,035

Ownership status of living quarters

	Percent, except as noted
Owned or being bought by you or someone in your household	58.98
Rented for cash	36.88
Occupied without payment of cash rent	4.14
Number or responses	2,035

Current employment status

	Percent, except as noted
Working--as a paid employee	63.01
Working--self-employed	4.25
Not working--on temporary layoff from a job	0.94
Not working--looking for work	14.14
Not working--retired	0.21
Not working--disabled	2.71
Not working--other	14.73
Number of responses	2,035

Back to section top

• Other Formats

• Full report (PDF)

• Stay Connected

• Twitter
• YouTube
• Flickr
• RSS Feeds
• Subscribe