College Characteristics and Change in Students' Occupational Values

Abstract

This study examines change in occupational goals and values among young adults who enter postsecondary education. The influence of variation in college characteristics on extrinsic and intrinsic values and on occupational status goals is studied using longitudinal data on 1972 college entrants. Effects of college selectivity, organizational type, and control for students remaining in college for a traditional four-year period show little support for the hypothesis of effects on values of entry into colleges with varying positions in a hierarchically structured educational system. Some support is found for an effect of religious affiliation rather than public control on goals and values.