Increasing Humanities and STEM Pipelines: Associations Between Student Characteristics and Academic Outcomes

Authors

David Wutchiett, CUNY Central OfficeFollow
A. W. Logue, CUNY Graduate CenterFollow
Zun Tang, CUNY Central OfficeFollow
Vita Rabinowitz, CUNY Hunter CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Humanities and STEM disciplines may face shortages of college graduates, particularly from underrepresented demographic groups. Using multilevel generalized linear models, we evaluated associations between student characteristics and 6-10-year academic outcomes in humanities and STEM pipelines from associate’s major declaration through post-enrollment wages among 92,169 first-time community college students. Nonarts humanities majors were more likely to graduate and begin graduate study. STEM majors earned higher wages after terminating their studies. To increase the output and diversity of the humanities and STEM pipelines, students’early selection of humanities-related majors should be increased, and STEM students’persistence and degree completion should be prioritized.