What does this measure?

The self–reported post–graduation plans of high school seniors reported in a state survey.

Why is this important?

Higher education is associated with greater earnings and standard of living. Post–graduate plans are also an indirect measure of the educational strength of the region’s schools.

How are Cayuga and Seneca counties performing?

Of high school graduates in 2010, 83% in Cayuga County and 71% in Seneca County planned to attend 2–year or 4–year college, compared to 85% in the state (excluding NYC). Cayuga’s college–going share was similar to that of Onondaga, Ontario and Wayne, while Seneca’s was closer to Oswego’s. In Seneca, a somewhat higher share of graduates have tended to plan on working, reaching a high of 16% of graduates in 2010. Both Cayuga and Seneca have tended to have fewer graduates planning on 4–year colleges than the state. While 48% of state graduates were headed to 4–year colleges in 2010, just 35% of Cayuga graduates and 27% of Seneca graduates were.

Notes about the data

The plans of a high school senior may not come to fruition because of several reasons, including finances, lack of admission opportunities, or a change of plans between the survey and graduation.