An education expert told lawmakers Tuesday that Wisconsin employs a smaller percentage of its postsecondary graduates with degrees in certain high-wage fields.
Wisconsin exceeds the national average in producing degrees, but 25 percent of degree holders are likely to earn low wages, according to Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development Institute Director Bruce Vandal.
Around 40 percent of those with some college credit but no degree earn low wages, which is near the national average.
Vandal said it was important to consider the supply and demand of degree holders and the jobs they seek.
Even though Wisconsin is a net importer of people, there are more graduates with bachelor's degrees that leave than come to the state.
While Wisconsin produces science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates at the national average, there are few people employed in those fields.
Graduates employed in management and professional high-wage areas earn slightly less than the national average income rate for those of the same demographic.
Vandal said lawmakers must consider whether degree breakdowns are connected to the job opportunities in Wisconsin.
"If we're going to compete in the global economy, we need to have an educated workforce," Vandal said. "Business as usual probably isn't going to be the way to find solutions."
Vandal told legislators that Wisconsin has an average level of per capita income and level of education when compared to other states.
Additionally, state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, said the state must examine its education levels and economy in an international context.
"Comparing ourselves to ourselves is not going to get us where we need to go," Harsorf said.
-Samy Moskol
