Recent employment data reveals that Connors State College is playing a crucial role in developing and retaining Oklahoma’s workforce, while also significantly enhancing the earning potential of its graduates.
According to the 2022 Employment Outcomes Report, an impressive 93.6% of Oklahoma resident Connors State graduates were employed in the state one year after graduation. Even more remarkably, this figure only slightly decreased to 90.8% five years post-graduation. These numbers significantly outperform the state system averages of 96.0% and 88.1% respectively.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the college’s ability to retain non-resident graduates within Oklahoma. The data shows that 58.1% of non-resident Connors State graduates were employed in Oklahoma one year after graduation, with 42.9% still working in the state five years later. These figures are also higher than the state system averages of 57.8% and 41.5% for non-residents.
When considering all graduates, Connors State boasts impressive overall employment rates of 89.9% after one year and 87.2% after five years. Again, these numbers exceed the state system averages of 86.1% and 76.5%, respectively.
The high retention rates of Connors State graduates within Oklahoma have several positive impacts on the state:
1. Economic growth: By staying in Oklahoma, these graduates contribute to the local economy through their spending and tax contributions.
2. Workforce development: They help fill skilled positions in various industries, supporting the state’s economic diversification and growth.
3. Community building: Graduates who remain in the state are more likely to invest in their local communities, fostering social and cultural development.
4. Return on investment: The state’s investment in higher education yields long-term benefits as graduates continue to contribute to Oklahoma’s prosperity.
Moreover, the impact of a college degree on career earnings cannot be overstated. National data consistently shows that individuals with a college degree earn significantly more over their lifetimes compared to those with only a high school diploma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree are about 67% higher than for those with just a high school diploma. Over a 40-year career, this can translate to over a million dollars in additional earnings.
For Connors State graduates, this increased earning potential not only benefits them personally but also amplifies their positive impact on Oklahoma’s economy. Higher earnings lead to increased consumer spending, higher tax revenues, and often, greater community involvement and philanthropic activities. As these graduates progress in their careers, their success stories become powerful testimonials to the value of higher education in Oklahoma, potentially inspiring future generations to pursue college degrees and contribute to the state’s growth.
In conclusion, Connors State College is not just educating students; it’s cultivating a dedicated workforce that chooses to build their careers and lives in Oklahoma, while also setting them on a path to significantly higher lifetime earnings. This commitment to the state, coupled with the enhanced economic contributions of college graduates, is a testament to the quality of education provided by Connors State and the opportunities available within Oklahoma’s growing economy. The college’s success in retaining graduates and boosting their earning potential creates a virtuous cycle of economic and social development that benefits all Oklahomans.”
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Learn More About Connors State College:
Connors State College has a long history of providing the people of eastern Oklahoma with access to higher education. Since seating its first class of 17 students in 1908, the institution has grown into a comprehensive, multi-campus, two-year college that enrolls more than 3,000 students annually. To learn more about Connors State College or how to enroll, please visit connorsstate.edu.