Does education increase employment?

The data supplied by the OECD indicate that going to college significantly increases the likelihood of employment. The graph shows the distribution of employment rates by educational level in 8 OECD countries. Employment rates are divided into two categories - secondary degree or less and tertiary degree. The gap in employment rate between the two categories is the widest in Slovak Republic, Italy and Germany. There is a general tendency across countries that the likelihood of employment increases with the level of education. In addition, the employment gap persists in observed countries. This empirical fact is consistent with human capital theory which predicts higher earnings and employment alongside the increasing level of education.

Source: OECD (2010)