Every day, we see people balancing responsibilities and pursuing education against all odds. A single mother working two jobs while earning a workforce certification. A young adult managing college courses while caring for a family member. A mid-career professional returning to school to secure a degree and improve their future. These real stories of perseverance are part of a larger national achievement—driven not only by individual determination but by the collective efforts of institutions, policymakers, and educators who work tirelessly to support them.
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. This progress tells a story of individual ambition, systemic resilience, and shared commitment to creating opportunities for all.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It required educators to reimagine learning, institutions to adapt to changing needs, states to invest in accessible programs, and policymakers to align resources with goals. Together, these efforts have expanded access to education and reshaped the nation’s economic and social landscape, building a foundation for future generations to thrive.
Young adults lead the way
One of the most encouraging aspects of this progress is the rising attainment among adults aged 25 to 34. According to A Stronger Nation, 56.8 percent of this group now holds a degree or credential. Despite challenges like rising tuition, economic uncertainty, and personal obligations, these young adults are investing in their futures. Their success benefits their families and paves the way for the next generation.
State-level momentum
From 2022 to 2023, 42 states and Puerto Rico increased their attainment rates, reflecting a nationwide growth trend. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have seen improvements over the past 15 years. The District of Columbia (75.1 percent), Colorado (63 percent), Massachusetts (63 percent), Utah (61.8 percent), Minnesota (61.7 percent), and Connecticut (60.2 percent), all now more than 60 percent, set benchmarks for success through strong educational systems and policies.
Even states facing economic challenges, such as West Virginia (44.3 percent) and Nevada (45 percent), have made progress. Notable success stories include Utah, with a remarkable 22.5-point increase in the past 15 years, and Arizona and Indiana, each achieving a 20.8-point boost.
However, the most remarkable success belongs to Puerto Rico. Since 2009, the region has seen a staggering 23.5-point increase in attainment—the largest gain nationally. This achievement underscores the transformative power of strategic investments in higher education, particularly in diverse areas where thoughtful policies have had the greatest impact.
Closing educational gaps
Progress in educational attainment is not just about raising overall numbers but ensuring equal opportunity for all. Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen significant strides in narrowing gaps.
- Black adults have seen a 37 percent increase, with rates rising by nearly 10 points.
- Hispanic and Latino adults have experienced a 50 percent gain, with attainment climbing by over 9 points.
- White adults have seen steady progress, reaching 52 percent.
- Asian adults now hold the highest attainment rate of any group at 67.1 percent.
- Native American and Alaska Native adults have achieved a 16.9 percent improvement, with attainment increasing by 3.8 points.
These gains reflect a shared commitment to improving access, offering resources that meet diverse needs, and ensuring pathways to success, regardless of background.
Credentials’ shifting role
A key driver of this progress has been the growing recognition of short-term, workforce-aligned credentials. Certificates and industry-recognized certifications have added 8 percentage points to the attainment rate. Additionally, the share of adults with associate or bachelor’s degrees has risen by more than 24 percent since 2008, contributing a 9-point gain. These options help bridge skills gaps and create career advancement opportunities.
Challenges and calls to action
Despite these gains, significant challenges remain. Affordability, student debt, and the connection between education and job opportunities pose risks to continued progress. Declining trust in higher education institutions also underscores the need for action.
To ensure education remains a powerful tool for all, we must:
- Make higher education more affordable: Reduce financial barriers by ensuring access to financial aid and minimizing student debt.
- Create clear pathways to good jobs: Align education with workforce needs to demonstrate clear benefits. Strengthen partnerships between education and employment sectors.
- Support diverse communities: Ensure all people have access to affordable, high-value opportunities.
- Rebuild trust in higher education: Showcase the link between education, career success, and economic stability.
A shared commitment to the future
As we look back on the progress documented in A Stronger Nation in the past 15 years, it’s crucial to remember the real people behind the numbers. The single mother striving to build a better life, the young adult juggling caregiving with college, and the mid-career worker seeking new opportunities all represent the transformative power of education.
Their success is not theirs alone; they share it with educators, institutions, policymakers, and entire communities that have invested in their potential. Together, they have helped create a nation where opportunity is within reach for more people than ever before.
The challenges ahead may be daunting, but the past 15 years demonstrate what is possible when ambition is met with support. By continuing to prioritize access, affordability, and pathways to success, we can ensure that the stories of perseverance and achievement we see every day remain the driving force in shaping a brighter future for all.