A profile of post-secondary students in Alberta
Date
2019-01-17
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PolicyWise for Children & Families
Abstract
Many benefits are associated with obtaining a post-secondary education. This report used administrative data to profile students (18 to 25 years old) enrolled in publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta from the 2005/06 to 2010/11. Analyses examined these individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics and public service use patterns based on their enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and credential type. This report found that (1) almost one-third (120,000 to 130,000 a year from 2005/06 to 2010/11) of Albertan individuals 18 to 25 years old were enrolled in publicly-funded post-secondary institution, (2) there was a greater representation of female than male students, (3) about 3% of full and part-time students identified as Aboriginal, (4) part-time students were more likely to use mental health services than full-time students and non-students, (5) students were less likely to be high-cost health service users than individuals not enrolled in post-secondary studies, and (6) students enrolled in post-secondary studies, but not in credential programs, were more likely to use social services and income supports than other students. These findings provide policy-relevant evidence that public authorities may consider as they seek to better support post-secondary students.
Description
This report used administrative data to profile students (18 to 25 years old) enrolled in publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta from the 2005/06 to 2010/11.
Keywords
post-secondary, students, young adults, big data, longitudinal, social services, health services, administrative data, data linkage
Citation
Child and Youth Data Laboratory. (2016). Post-secondary students in Alberta. Edmonton, AB: PolicyWise for Children & Families.