Celebrating 35 years of advancing freedom in Wisconsin

Viewpoint: UW System grads mostly satisfied with college experience, outcomes

Alumni also express concerns about debt and value of their degrees

By Mike Nichols

A survey of over 3,000 University of Wisconsin System graduates who have already been out of school for five or 10 years paints a picture of largely satisfied and upwardly mobile young professionals who are, nevertheless, often overwhelmed by debt and frequently unsure their bachelor’s degrees were worth it. 

The National Alumni Career Mobility Survey was sent to approximately 46,000 UW graduates from the 13 four-year UW institutions at the very end of 2020. Survey results were compiled by the middle of 2021 but, except for some data for specific schools, have not previously been made public. 

The goal was to gauge career and education satisfaction, civic involvement and degree relevance among other things. But the findings also shed light on when and why students choose majors, how majors relate to eventual careers, and debt burdens – increasingly nettlesome issues for both graduates and policymakers.  

Most respondents were positive about key aspects of their education and trajectory. 

Continue reading the Viewpoint.

Hot off the press

The Spring 2022 issue of Diggings has arrived! In this issue you’ll find articles on waste and fraud in infrastructure spending, the state universities that best promote graduates' upward mobility, Wisconsin entrepreneurs with a following on TikTok, how federal relief funds are being spent in Wisconsin – and much more. A standard bearer of conservative thought, our biannual Diggings magazine takes an in-depth look at policy and cultural issues that affect Wisconsinites. 

Poll: What do Wisconsin voters want?

A new poll of registered Wisconsin voters conducted by the State Policy Network found:

• 60% support work requirements for those receiving government aid
• 72% support having police officers in schools
• 66% agree we “have to do better at helping non-violent offenders who have served their time re-integrate into society.”
• 65% say parents should have more input on what is taught in public schools
•  69% support making it easier for qualified licensed workers from other states to get certified in Wisconsin
• 40% say they don’t trust newspapers and magazines. Only 13% say they trust them a great deal or completely. Some 46% say they don’t trust broadcast news.

Weekly Survey: Do you trust the media to report accurately and objectively?

It's Badger's Anniversary!

What We're Reading

• Center Square: School choice supporters encouraged by latest Marquette Poll on vouchers
• Heritage Foundation: Policy Proposals for Reducing Record-High Gasoline Prices
• The Hill: ObamaCare bump doesn’t help those who need it
• City Journal: Inviting Inflation—and Energy Dependence
• Kerry McDonald: Empowerment, Exit and Entrepreneurship Will Continue to Transform Education

New Free Exchange Podcast: Federalism and Think Tanks With Paul Teller

How can local ideas lead to national impact? Paul Teller, the executive director for Advancing American Freedom, explains the role think tanks play in developing ideas that create statewide laboratories of innovation. The policies that produce the best results help to reinvigorate the vision of federalism where states and communities – not the federal government – find the best solutions to local challenges.

As the Badger Institute celebrates 35 years of advancing freedom Wisconsin, our work in promoting free markets, opportunity and prosperity in the Badger State is only made possible by generous donations from our supporters. We never have, and never will, accept government funding. Donate online or email Angela Smith, Vice President of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.