Examining the Benefits of Education in New Jersey by Ann Obadan, Ph.D of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development utilizes data from the New Jersey Statewide Data System along with the National Student Clearinghouse extract, AlumniFinder data, and, when available, data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the New Jersey Division of Taxation, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to demonstrate that higher levels of education have a positive return on investment to the individual, the state, and society.
Specifically, the report examines the costs and benefits of pursuing and attaining postsecondary education from public higher education institutions in New Jersey. The report’s findings demonstrate that higher education helps individuals and families achieve upward social and economic mobility and results in higher tax revenues for state and federal governments.