Trends & Insights
As the higher education landscape changes, Optimal seeks to provide data-driven studies on important topics across our sites. Our studies use proprietary research and in-depth analysis.
A look at 10 primarily white institutions (PWIs) where Black alumni are likely to see higher median salaries than other Black graduates in their state for 2024.
A career path in Human Resources can provide stability and a good salary. Wages and employment opportunity can vary by location, so our report looks at these two indicators to determine the best states for pursing a career in HR.
Substance use counselors are in high demand, but employment opportunities can vary by state. This report explores the best states for a career in substance abuse counseling based on wages and job growth projections.
Obtaining a college degree increases your chances of being hired and boosts your pay, but the college you choose to attend can also have a significant impact on your post-grad earnings. Explore the colleges producing the highest earners 1 and 4 years after graduation.
LGBTQ+ students who prioritize their religion or spiritual beliefs are often subjected to religious discrimination, even while pursuing a higher education online. Explore several Christian institutions that are creating safe spaces for their LGBTQ+ alumni.
The rising costs of tuition and growth of student debt have called into question the value of a college degree. Yet, different fields of study can have drastically different results on a graduate’s financial future. Explore college degree paths that can lead to the most early-career earnings growth.
Online college programs in the U.S. allow students to earn a degree regardless of where the school is located. Explore new data showing that most undergraduate distance learners still choose colleges based in their home state.
Gender pay gaps have been a hot topic of conversation since before the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and they persist to this day. Explore how different college majors affect the gender pay gap and career earnings of women.
Online degree programs are more accepted than ever, and U.S. colleges have added over 600 online degree programs since 2017. Discover the degree categories that gained, and lost, the most online programs.
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