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

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

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

How FAFSA Got Fixed

The 2024 #FAFSA season was rough. Released late, riddled with errors, and dogged by processing issues, the launch of a simplified form led to a chaotic college enrollment season for students, families, and colleges.

• Jan. 31, 2025

Reflecting on 15 years: We are a Stronger Nation

Today, nearly 55 percent of working-age adults in the United States hold a degree or credential beyond high school—a milestone highlighted in the most recent 2023 data from A Stronger Nation, Lumina Foundation’s annual “report card” tracking educational progress.

• Jan. 30, 2025

Is college worth it? Students of color don’t shy away from answering this question

Amid growing concerns over student debt and skepticism over the value of a degree, many students find themselves asking: Is college worth the time and money?

• Jan. 30, 2025

Cost is one thing—Value is another

A shift to skills-based hiring is a good development, but don’t be fooled—the advantage for college-educated workers will continue to grow, Jamie Merisotis writes.

• Jan. 21, 2025

Gen Z students are optimistic about higher education—let’s prove them right

The end-of-year news retrospectives are over, and the “what’s ahead” predictions are wilting faster than New Year’s party flowers. But one significant 2025 milepost got little notice: Generation Z, the world’s largest generation, now makes up more than a quarter of the global labor force.

• Jan. 15, 2025

Steal (one or more of) these strategies: Community colleges share how they’re successfully reaching students

Community colleges around the country have found new ways to recruit and connect with students, and now they can show off tactics that work.

• Jan. 14, 2025

What higher education must do to take on climate change

In this episode of Sparking Equity, host Lande Ajose explores the critical role higher education can play in addressing the climate crisis while advancing equity. Joined by Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, and Jamie Marisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, this thought-provoking discussion delves into actionable strategies for colleges and universities to empower underserved communities, foster climate literacy, and turn knowledge into meaningful action. The episode highlights the intersection of climate change, equity, and education—and what leaders, students, and communities can do to shape a sustainable future.

Jan. 3, 2025

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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