The stats are in, and it is more clear than ever that higher education creates a greater chance of financial stability for college graduates compared to those with just a high school diploma. For example, individuals with a bachelor’s degree make $1 million more in lifetime income on average compared to their peers. They also have greater employment rates (93% vs. 77%), command better yearly wages ($52k vs. $30k), and depend less on public benefit programs (8% vs. 30%).
Kentucky is one state that has taken these incentives to heart and made it a goal to by 2030 to guarantee that 60% of its citizens hold a post-secondary diploma. With a 7% increase in degree completions and credentials over the previous five years and a 4.3% increase in the six-year graduation rate at public colleges, there has been clear progress toward this goal.
Nonetheless, there is still some work to do for Kentucky’s government to ensure the best possible outcome. Graduation rates have decreased among adult learners (46%) and low-income students (41%). Kentucky’s baccalaureate degree attainment is also 8% below the national average. Kentucky is investigating innovative approaches to educational support, like strengthening basic student needs, improving transfer paths, and boosting achievement in gateway courses.
