Do home schooled students earn more or less than average as adults?

Question

I know homeschoolers tend to have higher achievement test scores, but does homeschooling have an impact on later life income? What research data supports your answer? If there is a difference, is there an explanation of why this happens?

Answer 1

I do not know the statistics or if this study has ever been done.

This is a good place to check:
http://www.nheri.org

I know a few adults that were previously home-schooled. Some of them are in the high scale jobs. One is a computer service dept. manager for a major retail company. Another is a veterinarian. One is in research/chemistry -- earning very good wages. Others are in Graduate-school being PAID to study nuclear-engineering. Another works in a print-shop -- she graduated from 12 yrs of homeschool in the early 80's and homeschooled her own 2 children and both are now in college. Some home-ed grads are now land-scapers, building contractors, and graphic sign installers. Two of my good friends (graduated from homeschool) own their own blueberry farm. Some have joined the military.

Over all I'd suspect that the ratio of high to low income is average --- This is because home-schoolers come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments just like everybody else in this world. How's that for an oxymoronic statement?

Later in life.... what exactly does that mean? Many home-schooled students are now merely young adults. Is later considered 20's? 30's? 70's? or anywhere in between?

Is income to be considered as wage earning (or salary)? Or is welfare and social security included?

I do NOT know of any home-schoolers that are graduates and in need of welfare. Every home-schooler that I have met in the past 25 years is working -- either still studying or on the job.

Answer 2

I would say, that *on average*, adults who were homeschooled their entire lives, or a significant portion of their lives, would have a higher income than the average American.

Why? Because they are self selecting. Families who choose to homeschool tend to have some kind of income and are very involved in their children's education. There are very few families who homeschool and don't take their children's education seriously.

On the other hand, very few homeschoolers that I know are "rich". Most homeschoolers aren't all that interested in being rich or on the "fast track" to success. They know how to get money when they need it, but they don't hoard it, or get crazy with spending a lot of it on frivolous things. They get their life fulfillment through their passions. So, they end up earning just enough money to live the life they want to live. Which, is pretty average. Most homeschoolers live an average, normal life. Not super achievers, not low achievers, just generally successful and happy in their own way. With a few notable exceptions. Hey, just like kids who go to school! Go figure :)

I don't think anyone should base their position on homeschooling on statistics or studies, or even general impressions. Homeschooling is about the individual's needs. And for any individuals' happiness and success, decisions should be based on their needs. Money, is waaaayyyyy low on the totem pole of the reason why people choose to homeschool, or study on their own. I'd say, that most homeschoolers realize that money is a tool, and don't worry about it much.

Answer 3

Homeschooling is really a newer thing, so not enough of adult homeschooled people are in the working world. I do know that some colleges, really good ones, are seeking homeschoolers because they tend to take on leadership roles and do well with grades. Only time will tell what happens with them in the work force, because there are lots of them being educated right now. I am biased, but I do believe that they are our future leaders. That is for more reasons than homeschooling, since those who homeschool tend to put education and self motivation high on their list of priorities.

Answer 4

I actually don't know if there has been a study done on that topic. I do know that there is a study at HSLDA where adults who were homeschooled tended to be happier about their financial situations than those who weren't.

Now, if they do make more, my guess would be it's because a higher percentage of homeschoolers pursue post-secondary studies than does the general population. Degress open up better job opportunities.

Answer 5

Just a personal opinion: Home schooled people may do better at test scores, but I doubt that they have the same social and communication skills that people cannot avoid acquiring going to a regular school.