Perceived Value of College as an Investment in Human and Social Capital: Views of Generations X and Y

Abstract

This article examines the perception of college based on the investment in human or social capital. An online survey was used to collect data. After deleting the responses from older cohorts (Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation) and incomplete responses, the sample consisted of 1,000 adult participants who had student loans. Similarities and differences between generations X and Y student loan borrowers were investigated. Generation Y ranked social capital reasons for a college education higher than human capital reasons. In contrast, Generation X ranked human capital reasons for a college education higher than social capital reasons. Generation and perceived value of college were significantly associated with the satisfaction related to student loans.

Stability of Differences in Weight-Related Characteristics of Mothers across Economic, Cultural, Social, and Environmental-Health Indicators of Socioeconomic Status

“…Cultural capital, also called human capital, is knowledge that guides individuals or groups through society and affects interactions with others, judgment by others, and opportunities available [6,8,9,10]. Cultural capital takes the form of material goods (e.g., books, “proper” clothing) and symbolic elements (e.g., knowledge of societal customs, manners, and values; skill set; formal education credentials; socialization to express society’s valued attitudes and behaviors) that are admired and rewarded by society (e.g., college degree, slenderness).…”

Generational Differences: A Comparison of Weight-Related Cognitions and Behaviors of Generation X and Millennial Mothers of Preschool Children

“…Previous research has shown generational differences in career patterns [35] and expectations from education [31,81], but few studies have examined how parents from differing generations (i.e., Generation X vs Millennials) who both have children of the same age group (i.e., preschoolers) differ. The findings of this study reveal that Generation X mothers were more educated than Millennial mothers, which is not surprising as Millennial mothers are younger and might continue their education at a later age for a workplace advancement or salary increase [32].…”

“…For instance, Generation X witnessed a shift in communication tools whereas Millennials grew up surrounded by modern technology and the Internet [30]. Millennial students tend to value college education for its extrinsic or social capital benefits, such as for making more money or meeting new friends, whereas Generation X students tend to value intrinsic benefits, such as the appreciation of knowledge [31,32]. Millennials also are more individualistic, less altruistic at work [33,34], and experience greater job mobility than previous generations [35].…”

Residential Satisfaction among College Students: Examining High‐End Amenity Student Housing

“…Research on residential satisfaction has applications within the student housing environment. This is a factor that newer generations of college students value more highly than students from previous generations (Johnson, Gutter, Xu, Cho, & DeVaney, 2016). These included such aspects as noise from nearby neighbors and clamor from periodic maintenance.…”

“…Still, higher density provides opportunities for more social interactions among students and more opportunities for building social capital. This is a factor that newer generations of college students value more highly than students from previous generations (Johnson, Gutter, Xu, Cho, & DeVaney, 2016).…”