economy

Graduates of elite colleges and universities don’t necessarily make more money than their counterparts at less well-known schools, according to new research.

Using the first-year earnings of graduates of colleges and universities in five states, the study found that those from regional and second-tier campuses, on average, earn about the same as those who go to prestigious flagship universities.

The state will dole out $4.5 million to various Massachusetts workforce organizations, community colleges, tech schools, and career centers for skills training and workforce development, according to Governor Deval Patrick.

The grants will be used to train more than 850 job seekers in the healthcare, manufacturing, construction, early education, hotel and hospitality, and financial services fields, according to a press release.