When a high school graduate goes off to college ... it can be a proud moment for them AND their family, all hoping that one day they'll be able to celebrate a bachelor's degree.

The thing is, as we all know, in life, there are no guarantees.

A new study out of UCLA finds that only a quarter of LAUSD high school grads end up with a college diploma within six years. But in the past, there have been attempts to provide alternatives to a traditional college education. Former President Obama, for instance, was pushing for more technical or vocational education alternatives. So, is higher education really the best way to gauge true success?

Meredith Phillips is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Sociology. She authored the study and spoke to A Martinez about the findings.

To listen to the full segment, click the blue play button above.