9 state universities with earning potential equivalent to Ivy League education

9 state universities with earning potential equivalent to Ivy League education

The Myth of Ivy League Income: Why a Good State School Does the Trick

You’ve heard it before – attending an Ivy League university guarantees success and a hefty income. But what if we told you that you don’t necessarily need an Ivy League degree to achieve an Ivy League income? A recent study conducted by Opportunity Insights, a group of Harvard-based researchers, challenges this conventional wisdom and reveals some surprising findings.

The study looked at students who were wait-listed by Ivy League schools and compared the estimated future earnings of those who eventually got in with those who attended one of nine flagship public universities instead. The results were astounding – attending an Ivy League university only had a “small and statistically insignificant impact” on graduates’ future earnings, boosting their projected income by an average of a mere 3% by the age of 33.

These findings align with a previous study conducted in 1999 by Princeton researcher Alan Kruger, which concluded that students who attended more selective colleges did not earn more than their counterparts who were accepted and rejected by comparable schools but attended less selective colleges.

While attending an Ivy League institution had some advantages, such as increasing students’ chances of reaching the top 1% in income and working for an “elite” employer, the study’s results suggest that it’s the quality of the student, rather than the school they attend, that is more predictive of future earnings. In other words, it’s not the Ivy League brand that determines success, but rather the individual themselves.

So, why does the notion of an Ivy League income persist despite these findings? Part of the reason lies in the prestige and reputation associated with Ivy League universities. They are often considered elite institutions, favored by employers and seen as a ticket to success. However, this study challenges these assumptions and encourages us to shift our focus from the name on the diploma to the skills and abilities of the individual.

• Lean In launching program for young girls.
• Barbie star Margot Robbie on Bitcoin and Ken energy
• Global factory production decreases, but supply chains improve ANBL...

In light of these findings, the researchers identified nine flagship public universities that provide comparable estimated incomes to Ivy League graduates. Here they are:

1. University of Florida
2. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
3. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
5. University of Texas at Austin
6. University of Virginia
7. University of Washington – Seattle
8. University of Wisconsin – Madison
9. University of California, Berkeley

These institutions, according to the study, offer students similar opportunities and outcomes as Ivy League universities. It’s a reassurance for those who may not have access to Ivy League education, proving that a good state school can indeed do the trick.

The takeaway from this study is clear – the key to success lies within the individual rather than the institution they attend. While the allure of an Ivy League education may be strong, it’s essential to recognize that success is not exclusive to those who hold a prestigious degree. The qualities, skills, and determination of the individual play a significant role in shaping their future income and career prospects.

So, if you don’t have the opportunity to attend an Ivy League university, don’t despair. A good state school can provide you with comparable advantages and opportunities. Instead of obsessing over the name on your diploma, focus on developing your skills, pursuing your passions, and seizing opportunities wherever they may come from. After all, in the pursuit of success and an Ivy League income, it’s the individual that truly matters.

• Economy
• Features
• Ivy League