Imagine learning that’s accessible, lifelong, and prepares everyone for a global future.

To realize this vision, Lumina Foundation works to ensure that, by 2040, 75 percent of adults in the U.S. labor force will have a college degree or other credential of value leading to economic prosperity.

We invest in today’s students by creating clearer paths to learning beyond high school.

Lumina Foundation works in partnership with education and business leaders, civil rights organizations, policymakers, and individuals who want to reimagine how and where learning occurs.

Today's Credentials

Today's Institutions

Today's Students

Today's Students are Tomorrow's Potential

Learn how Lumina works to help today's students get the training they need for informed citizenship and economic prosperity.

Goal 2040: A Stronger Nation and a Brighter Future

By 2040, 75 percent of adults in the U.S. labor force will have college degrees or other credentials of value leading to economic prosperity.

Learn about Goal 2040

Building a Stronger Future: Celebrating Progress in Education Attainment

Tracking trends in post-high school attainment

Read Courtney's blog post

Arizona school batters the barriers to student success

Four-year colleges are finding new ways to help students succeed

Read magazine: Building a better bachelor’s

The Latest

A sure bet that lost me money—and what it says about undergrad degree earners

Here’s why states betting on certificates to boost attainment might be a losing wager. A recent visit to the Santa Anita racetrack taught me a surprising lesson—not about horse racing, but about the seductive power of a “clever” idea.

• April 25, 2025

No, college students aren’t being silenced: Most feel free, heard, and at home on campus

Despite the loud and pervasive national rhetoric that college campuses are ideological battlegrounds where free speech is stifled, most students say their experience is much different.

• April 23, 2025

Whatever We Call Them, Diversity Efforts Support Fairness And Shared Prosperity

Diversity and equity initiatives are increasingly under attack in statehouses, schools, and corporations across the country. But amid this rising rhetoric, a critical misunderstanding threatens our nation’s future—one that could erode our global leadership and economic prosperity.

April 15, 2025

Healthcare finance leader brings global expertise to Lumina Foundation board

Kaye Vitug, a global healthcare and finance leader, has joined Lumina Foundation’s board of directors, which concluded its spring meeting today.

April 3, 2025

Community college isn’t a backup option: Rebranding higher ed’s underdogs

Three years ago, we at Lumina Foundation became curious about the stigma surrounding community colleges. Americans saw them as the convenient, practical choice—but as a backup to something “better” and often not the first choice for serious students.

• April 1, 2025

Higher education’s big test: Proving the value of college degrees

In response to falling public confidence, higher ed needs to deliver greater value and a clear return on investment.

• April 1, 2025

What’s a Primary Driver of U.S. Prosperity?

In this special edition, we have a conversation on how to drive economic growth, strengthen civic life, and equip individuals to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Experts from workforce, higher education and philanthropy will dive into how learning after high school cultivates a skilled workforce, fosters innovation, and improves quality of life for American communities. This show was recorded live from the podcast lounge at SXSW.

• March 31, 2025

The cost vs. value paradox: what Americans really think about college

For years, the debate about higher education has centered on one question: Is college still worth it?

• March 19, 2025

The gutting of the education department puts students at risk—Now what?

I have served at the U.S. Department of Education twice—once as a career civil servant and later as deputy undersecretary and acting assistant secretary. I took immense pride in serving students with dignity and purpose in both roles. I continue to be inspired by the unwavering dedication of the department’s career employees—public servants who have committed their lives to advancing educational opportunity in every corner of this country.

• March 14, 2025

Do students and society still value higher ed?

Public confidence in higher education is slipping. You’ve probably heard it—maybe even felt it. But here’s the thing: While skepticism is rising, most Americans still believe in the power of a college degree. They see it as a ticket to career success, financial stability, and a better future for their families.

• March 13, 2025

Mascots, Marketing, and Making Moves

This episode dives into how schools are using SEO, branding, and mobile-friendly marketing to reshape perceptions and connect with their communities.

• March 5, 2025

Lumina Foundation sets new national goal to expand and elevate higher education and workforce training by 2040

Lumina Foundation has announced a bold new goal to increase the number of Americans with education and training beyond high school: By 2040, 75 percent of working-age adults in the U.S. labor force will have college degrees or other credentials of value leading to economic prosperity.

March 4, 2025

A bold vision for a prosperous future

Seventeen years ago, Lumina Foundation set an ambitious goal: By 2025, 60 percent of working-age adults in the United States would have a degree, certificate, or industry-recognized certification. At the time, only 38 percent had one. Today, that number has risen to 55 percent, thanks to the dedication of students, educators, and policymakers who believe in the power of education and training beyond high school.

• March 4, 2025

Black History Month matters—for everybody

Much of what makes America the envy of the world is its great diversity. That diversity cuts across many different lines: Income, geography, gender, ethnicity, race, and many other factors contribute to the nation’s economic strength and competitive ingenuity.

• Feb. 17, 2025

The resilience of first-generation students

Four in five first-generation student participants from the “Is College Worth It?” report believe their degree will help them achieve financial goals and credit their college experience with expanding career opportunities.

Feb. 17, 2025

Boosting civics lessons helps strengthen civil discourse—And democracy

We disagree so much in this country that it’s heartening to find an idea that nearly everybody supports—at least generally.

• Feb. 17, 2025

Yes, the country’s people are better trained and educated as we begin 2025

But our collective efforts must keep evolving until learning after high school prepares graduates to thrive economically.

• Feb. 4, 2025

Supporting adult students of color with flexibility, relationships, and empowerment

Three years ago, Lumina Foundation launched the REACH Collaborative with a very clear and specific goal: to increase the number of Black, Hispanic and Latino, and Native American adults with quality credentials and degrees. Alongside our partners, we welcomed more than 100 community colleges in six states into the collaborative and supported them in implementing the REACH Framework, which includes three pillars.

• Feb. 3, 2025

See All News

Creating better outcomes for students

The Nation’s Progress

The United States faces a growing need for talent. Many more people of all races, ethnicities, ages, geographies, and income levels will need college degrees, certificates, industry certifications, and other credentials to join or remain in the middle class.

A Stronger Nation

Addressing Equity in Education

Lumina focuses broadly on today's students. We must help people understand why barriers exist and how we can address them, especially for the benefit of students of color or students who are the first in their families to seek education or training after high school.

Learn more