June 24, 2026
June 24, 2026 — Public Agenda and The HEA Group today announced a two-year collaborative initiative to improve data transparency and economic mobility across California’s higher education landscape. Supported by ECMC Foundation, the project addresses critical information gaps regarding postsecondary earnings, equips state and institutional leaders to adapt to a changing economy, and strengthens the state’s data infrastructure to empower both students and administrators.
California’s higher education system serves more than two million students. However, policymakers and institutional leaders often lack accessible, nuanced data on employment outcomes after college. This need has grown urgent following new federal accountability requirements that mandate undergraduate programs to demonstrate graduate earnings that outpace the state’s median high school graduates.
“Employment and earnings are not the only important outcomes of higher education, but the capacity to earn a good living is essential, especially for students whose families do not have great wealth,” said Andrew J. Seligsohn, President of Public Agenda. “In collaboration with our colleagues from The HEA Group, we will paint a clearer picture of the opportunities learners can expect from various programs, which will help them make decisions—and help higher education leaders make improvements.”