The Current State of Earnings Data - State Definitions of Earners and Private Earnings Data Sources for Institutions

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Angel

Provides a foundational, equity-focused examination of postsecondary earnings data, detailing how states define earnings measures for postsecondary outcomes and how these approaches relate to national initiatives. Reviews methodologies used to select earners, earnings thresholds, quarter sequencing, and exclusions such as students continuing postsecondary instruction. Also scans private, non-government data sources available for institutions to purchase, supporting threshold-based measurement when administrative state and federal data are unavailable.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages44

Reading Time1 h 51 min

AccessFree to download

Part 1: Methodologies for Postsecondary Earnings Measures in States

Background

Approach

Part 2: Private Sources of Postsecondary Earnings Data

Appendix A: Postsecondary Earnings Measures Details for Included States and National Initiatives

Appendix B: Notes on the Use of Earnings Thresholds by States

Appendix C: Data Source Detail for Private Earnings Data Sources

Appendix D: Comparing Earnings between PayScale and College Scorecard

End notes

THE CURRENT STATE OF EARNINGS DATA: STATE DEFINITIONS OF EARNERS AND PRIVATE EARNINGS DATA SOURCES FOR INSTITUTIONS Timothy Harmon Workforce Enterprise Services, Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS Part 1: Methodologies for Postsecondary Earnings Measures in States ................ 2 Part 2: Private Sources of Postsecondary Earnings Data ........................... 11 Appendix A: Postsecondary Earnings Measures Details for Included States and National Initiatives ................................................. 15 Appendix B: Notes on the Use of Earnings Thresholds by States ..................... 35 Appendix C: Data Source Detail for Private Earnings Data Sources ................... 37 Appendix D: Comparing Earnings between PayScale and College Scorecard ........... 42 End notes .................................................................. 43 This paper is one in a foundational research series for the Postsecondary Value Commission authored in summer 2019 by scholars with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The research presented in these papers applies an equity lens to the philosophical, measurement, and policy considerations and assumptions underlying key components of postsecondary value to students and society, including investment, economic and non-economic returns, mobility, and racial and socioeconomic justice. The Postsecondary Value Commission consulted this foundational research as it developed a conceptual definition of postsecondary value, a framework for measuring how institutions and programs create value and ensure equitable outcomes, and an action agenda with recommendations for applying the definition and framework to change policies and practices. Through this breadth of scholarship, the commission was better able to define the value of postsecondary education and the role institutions can play in creating a more equitable and fair United States. Following the May 2021 release of the commission’s findings, these foundational papers were prepared for publication. The views and opinions expressed in these papers do not necessarily reflect the positions of individual members of the Postsecondary Value Commission or the organizations they represent. The Postsecondary Value Commission along with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Institute for Higher Education Policy are deeply grateful to the authors of this series. The authors’ extensive expertise and thoughtful engagement in this work provided the foundation for the commission to develop an informed, innovative, and equity-driven framework. They also thank Deborah Seymour for editing the written products and the team at GMMB for their creative design and layout. Suggested citation: Harmon, T. (2021) . The Current State of Earnings Data: State Definitions of Earners and Private Earnings Data Sources for Institutions. Postsecondary Value Commission. The Postsecondary Value Commission, in its exploration of return on investment and value of a higher education, desired to better understand the current state of earnings data for states andinstitutions so that they could effectively measure and understand post-college employment and earnings. To that end, this brief includes a review of research on how different state systems define and measure earners and earnings and a scan of private data sources, outside of government administrative data collections, available to institutions for use and purchase. This research was used to inform the development of the threshold methodology for earners and the commission’s understanding of whether institutions can apply this work in the absence of state and federal administrative data. PART 1 : METHODOLOGIES FOR POSTSECONDARY EARNINGS MEASURES IN STATES Background . This research seeks to compile the various methodologies that states use to define postsecondary earnings measures, to summarize these approaches, and to compare them to those being used by several national initiatives, includ

FAQs

What is the purpose of the research on earnings data for states and institutions?

It aims to understand the current state of earnings data so postsecondary value can be measured, including post-college employment and earnings. It reviews how states define and measure earners and earnings and surveys private data sources available to institutions.

How does Part 1 describe state methodologies for postsecondary earnings measures?

It compiles and compares methodologies states use to define earnings measures, summarizing criteria such as who is included (graduates only versus broader leavers or all enrollees), whether earnings thresholds are applied, and whether students continuing postsecondary instruction are excluded.

Why do the appendices include notes on earnings thresholds and data source details?

They provide additional specifications for included states and national initiatives, clarify how earnings thresholds are used by states, and document details of private earnings data sources. They also include comparisons between PayScale and College Scorecard approaches.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Angel