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

HBCUs: Power and purpose

HBCU graduates and leaders discuss how their HBCU experiences gave them a sense of identity and belonging, and helped transform their lives through strong student support systems.

Learn more about HBCUs

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

Do Americans Think College is Worth It?

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans that currently do not have a degree believe that earning an academic credential is valuable. And yet, there is waning confidence in higher education across the country, as many people ask if they will get a return on their investment. In this episode, we visit Lupita Trujillo, a mother of three, who shares how these decisions sounded in her household. We also review the latest Gallup-Lumina Foundation reports about perceptions of higher education with Dr. Courtney Brown.

• May 30, 2025

Fast lift or slow climb? How education moves us (or doesn’t)

We often hear that a bachelor’s degree pays off, literally, long-term, but is that always true? And how do short-term credentials like certificates and training badges really compare?

• May 13, 2025

What will make college truly affordable?

Higher ed leaders and policymakers need to fundamentally rethink the system of who pays for college, and how.

• May 13, 2025

America’s investment in education is lagging — and the workforce pays the price

America once led the world, but the global economy is evolving, and other nations are surging ahead. We must recommit to innovation and training.

• May 12, 2025

Degrees of Impact: Redefining the Value of Higher Ed

At the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, Lumina Foundation President and CEO Jamie Merisotis gave a LightningX keynote on increasing the value of higher education.

• May 12, 2025

A look back: State partnerships pave the way for education and training

This is a big year for Lumina Foundation: In 2025, we are marking Lumina’s 25th anniversary, looking back on our ambitious 15-year college attainment goal, and celebrating the launch of a new goal. It’s the perfect time to reflect on progress made and how Goal 2040 can help even more Americans learn and earn credentials of value.

• May 5, 2025

AI is unable to outpace higher education

This live session, taped at SXSW 2025, explores the interplay between higher education and artificial intelligence, delving into how academic institutions are responding to the proliferation of AI in the workplace and economy.

• April 29, 2025

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

Weekly wisdom interview with Jamie Merisotis

Merisotis talks about Lumina’s new goal for a successful labor force, the value proposition of higher education, the importance of perceived equity, and the urgency for higher ed reform.

• March 27, 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

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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