News and views in higher education attainment from Lumina Foundation

Featured Story

Adult Pathways

Veering Off-Track: ‘Some college, no degree’ numbers spike to 39 million

Like a freight train speeding down the tracks, this alarming trend is moving fast—but in the wrong direction. America’s “some college, no degree” (SCND) population—those who started at a 2-year or 4-year college and stopped out before completing a degree or certificate—has grown to 39 million people, up nearly 9 percent in just two years.

Courtney BrownMay 10, 2022

This dude's looking confident AF walking through revolving glass doors, carrying a couriers bag and blue shoes that match his shirt.

Student Supports

Adults can return to college, finish, and thrive—with a little support

Most adults who return to college can persevere and graduate—if they have enough time and financial support, a new report shows. Nearly three-quarters of the returning adults surveyed earned a postsecondary credential, and most who hadn’t still planned to do so. 

Frank Swanzy Essien, Jr. May 9, 2022

Federal Policy

Time to weigh in: IPEDS could restrict the race and ethnicity reporting of undocumented students

Freedom gives us, as Americans, the power to choose. It makes our form of government unique in several practical ways. One is the opportunity to create and own our own identity, a practice praised by rugged individualists and inclusivity activists alike.

Chris Mullin April 21, 2022

Featured Podcast

State Policy

The Power of State Networks

Dakota PawlickiApril 26, 2022

Today's Credentials

Short-term credentials: Necessary and often valuable, but proceed with caution

Short-term credential programs are rapidly expanding. Concerns about equity and quality need to be addressed while more federal and state funding accelerates this expansion. Join my guests Kermit Kaleba, Senator Tim Kaine, Jesse O’Connell, Randy Stamper, and Dr. Monique Ositelu to learn more.

Dakota PawlickiAug. 12, 2021

Today's Credentials

Take what you have, build what you need – Innovation in higher ed

The definitions provided by my three guests on the 26th episode of the Lumina Foundation podcast “Today’s Students/Tomorrow’s Talent” are all over the map and extend well beyond technology. And that appears to be a good thing, because we’re talking about innovations in areas as wide-ranging as HyFlex courses, allocating classroom space, and making college…

Dakota PawlickiJune 14, 2021

Today's Credentials

‘Credentials as you go’ can help college students – especially adults and people of color

If we are to reach the goal of ensuring that 60 percent of Americans have college degrees or workforce-ready credentials by 2025, this much is clear: As a nation, we must focus on adult students, especially people of color.

Wendy SedlakMay 18, 2021

Today's Credentials

Robots won’t rule the world, but if we help them, they can improve it

There was a time when corporate executives looked at artificial intelligence and other technology and saw them largely, if not solely, as a way to reduce costs. But as AI and algorithms become integral parts of everyday work, smart executives are seeing that the best course of action is a sort of merger of human…

Jamie MerisotisMarch 22, 2021

Today's Credentials

It’s time to give noncredit coursework more respect.

Many people have long viewed education and training that don’t count for college credit as moneymaking services that colleges and universities provide outside of their ivory walls.

Chris MullinMarch 11, 2021

Today's Credentials

The University of the Republic?

It is too soon to draw full and conclusive lessons from the 2020 election, but two things are beyond dispute: Joe Biden has been elected the next President of the United States, and America remains deeply polarized.

Jesse O'ConnellNov. 20, 2020

Today's Credentials

Public libraries have always been a national treasure. COVID can help unlock their full potential

Forced by the COVID crisis to reassess how they serve their communities, our nation’s public libraries are finding new, innovative ways to enhance and expand their roles in our civic life.

Jamie MerisotisOct. 2, 2020

Today's Credentials

Education, economic security, and the future of our democracy

Not having the education required for today’s jobs poses a threat not only to our citizens but to our democracy. There is a strong correlation between levels of education and the allure of authoritarianism.

Jamie MerisotisSept. 30, 2020

Today's Credentials

A ‘closing argument’ for the national goal of 60% of adults having more than a high school diploma by 2025

Since its launch 20 years ago, Lumina Foundation has focused on student access and success in the field of learning that takes place after high school. Today, that focus is more important than ever as society’s need for talent—and the drive to expand the proportion of Americans with quality education and training to meet this…

Jamie MerisotisSept. 15, 2020

Today's Credentials

College enrollment could very well go up this fall—yes up!—but the system is still broken and we urgently need to fix these five areas

Since the pandemic gained steam back in March, the drumbeat of stories about higher education’s impending demise has been nonstop. It’s true that some schools will be losers in the battle for students and resources. But don’t be surprised if overall enrollment, one of the sector’s most watched vital signs, doesn’t take a surprising turn…

Jamie MerisotisJuly 10, 2020

Today's Credentials

In a brutal recession, education is more important than ever – here’s how to help people finish their college degrees

Few institutions in society will be spared as the worst economic, social, and public health crisis in our lifetimes unfolds. That includes higher education - but we can still seize the moment to fix a system that’s long overdue for change.

Haley GloverMay 19, 2020

Today's Credentials

The time is right to ensure that all quality learning counts

People who want to learn but can’t afford or get access to education and training after high school should be helped with high-quality programs that result in degrees, certificates, and other credentials. As always, though, the question is, how do we ensure that new programs live up to their promise of offering pathways to new…

Frank Swanzy Essien, Jr.Nov. 12, 2019

Today's Credentials

Inside the Big Confusing Credentialing Tent: A New Mission to Understand Non-Degree Credentials

New research is showing the growing value of credentials—but the trouble is, no one seems to fully grasp what credentials are, or how to decipher terms like non-degree and sub-degree.

Frank Swanzy Essien, Jr., Holly ZanvilleJune 28, 2019

Today's Credentials

Innovative community colleges focus on real student success

The news sounded good at first: My 18-year-old niece is enrolling in the local technical college to become a phlebotomist, a person who draws blood from patients. But my enthusiasm turned to skepticism the more I investigated.

Wendy SedlakMay 22, 2019