Public universities already have access to this data through state law. The governor’s signature on SB 1022 now makes it available to prospective and current students, and the public.
“Earning a college diploma is one of the biggest investments of time and money that we will ever make,” said Senator Huff. “I’m pleased Governor Brown realized that California students deserve to know what their college degrees are worth. By giving them this information, we help guide key career decisions.”
SB 1022 will provide access to labor market data – including salary earnings and job placement statistics – for all UC and CSU graduates. This kind of information is critical to the decision making process that faces every student as they will learn what fields of study provide for the greatest of opportunities in terms of finding employment and salary.
A recent survey from the Center for College Affordability and Productivity discovered that four in ten college graduates find themselves stuck in jobs that don’t require a college degree. And nearly half of recent graduates believe they would fare better in the job market if they had pursued a different major.
Senator Huff’s legislation earned broad support from student leadership, CSU, UC, civil rights groups and business leaders, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We applaud the Governor for signing this important piece of legislation, which will empower students and their families as they make important decisions about pursuing a college education,” said Gary Toebben, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “For the first time, through this legislation, students will be able to access earnings data as they decide which program of study to pursue at Cal State and UC. It is in our shared interest that students make thoughtful college and career choices to ensure our state has an educated workforce that is able to keep California competitive in a global economy.”