College Graduates’ Living Arrangements Are Dependent upon Income

College Graduates’ Living Arrangements are Dependent Upon Income

Fantastic Student

California Lutheran University

March 1, 2019

Table of Contents

Chapter 1:          Background, Problem Statement, Research Question, Definitions, and Overview 3                  

Chapter 2:        Review of the Literature                                                                                          5

Chapter 3:        Methodology                                                                                                          12                

                Table 3.1:  Quantitative and Qualitative Variables Used in this Study                 13

                Table 3.2:  Coding of Qualitative/Categorical Data                                      14

Chapter 4:        Results of the Statistical Analysis                                                                         15

                Table 4.1:  Measures of Central Tendency for Selected Variables                       15

                Table 4.2:  Measures of Dispersion for Selected Variables                                  16

                Graph 4.1:  Scatter Diagram of Number of Credit Cards vs. Overall Credit Card                                        Debt                                                                                                     17                  

Chapter 5:        Conclusions                                                                                                            19

Appendix:        Exhibit I:  Survey Administered to Ventura County College Graduates               21

                Exhibit II:  Data Sheet for Study of College Students’ Post-Graduation Living                                       Arrangements and Other Variables                                                      22

                Exhibit III:  Correlation Analysis                                                                          23

References                                                                                                                                      24

Chapter 1:  Introduction

Background

        As most high school students begin college, they believe it is the beginning of their adult lives.  They typically move out of their parents’ home and move into college dorms for the next four years.  After graduating with their bachelor’s degrees, the majority of students expect to move into an apartment or a home, often with their friends.  After gaining independence from their parents, most college students do not anticipate moving back into their parents’ homes after graduation.  

        This expectation has been changing in recent years as the millennial generation”, young adults ages 18-32, has experienced one of the most significant economic downturns in history at the same time they are burdened by historic credit card and student loan debt which limits their ability to live independently.          Jessica Hartogs (2013) cited a recent Pew Research Center survey noting that “a record 21.6 million young adults in America were living with their parents in 2012.”  Hartogs continued and noted that 36% of young adults, ages 18-31, are living in their parents’ homes.  In their article “Is 27 the New 18?  Living at Home with Mom and Dad”, FOXBusiness (2013) discussed recent Coldwell Banker survey results showing the economy, job market, and strong relationships between the generations have resulted in young people moving back home.  Noting problems with the economy, CNNMoney (2012) reported that high unemployment has made it difficult for young people to find jobs which results in young people moving back home.  Rothstein and Rouse (2007) argued that student loans and credit are constraining college students.  Mike Krings (2013), a reporter for the University of Kansas, stated that excessive student loan debt is causing young people to fall behind.  As students fall behind, they often have no other option than to live with their parents.