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Abstract
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (2016) found that approximately half of the entering freshmen in fall of 2010 within the United States earned their baccalaureate degrees within six years; an even smaller percent of students completed their degrees in the two-year sector. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which individuals benefitted from pursuing postsecondary education, even without degree attainment. Analyzing nonpecuniary benefits that likely impact quality of life, this study used ELS:2002 survey data to determine the benefits of receiving up to 60 credit hours of postsecondary education, more than 60 credit hours of postsecondary education, an associates degree or certificate, and a bachelors degree, compared to pursuing no higher education. Propensity score weighting was used to ensure a more accurate regression analysis and best determine the benefits for varying levels of educational attainment. Analyses revealed that those who earned any college credit were more likely to value relationships and education, while earning a degree helped their careers.