The Birth of New Jobs
Job openings for licensed practical nurses – which do not require a bachelor’s degree and earn a median salary of $45,000 – are projected to grow by up to 14 percent between 2016 and 2026.
By the numbers
By 2020, two-thirds of all jobs will require a college degree, certificate, industry certification or other credential beyond a high school diploma.
Everyone deserves a fair chance at achieving their dreams. In the past, a high school degree and strong work ethic ensured people could join the middle class. Today, high school graduates are being left behind. The vast majority of good jobs created since the last recession require a bachelor’s degree.
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New options can open new opportunities.
Companies need people with knowledge and skills that are acquired after high school, especially those competing in high-growth fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. There’s demand for people with certificates and certifications that could later lead them to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees.
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Consider affordable options to the bachelor’s degree:
The cost of attending colleges had more than doubled over the past 30 years, even when inflation is factored in. Students have borrowed more and more to realize their objective of earning a college degree.
Today, there are many flexible, affordable paths that can allow people who skipped college after high school to get started – and for older adults to retool. Whether through apprenticeships, industry training, military experience or certificate programs, more pathways are available today to join the middle class and build on these initial steps.
Support in Tech
Nearly half of all computer network support specialists do not have a bachelor’s degree, yet the field’s median salary is $52,000.
Natural Fit in Resources
Since 1991, the number of higher paying jobs in the natural resources industry that require an associate degree – those that pay more than $65,000 per year – has doubled.
On the Cake
More than a third of today’s college students are 25 and older.
In the Mirror
Two of every five students attending college today are students of color.
On the Clock
Almost two-thirds of today’s college students work at least part-time, and two in five work full-time.
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Toward a brighter American future for all students
We must address the root of challenges faced by today’s students – such as finances, hours worked and family – to help boost all students’ success. This is particularly important for adults, veterans, immigrants and people of color.
On the Clock
Almost two-thirds of today’s college students work at least part-time, and two in five work full-time.
In the Mirror
Two of every five students attending college today are students of color.
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Untapped potential: the prison population
The United States imprisons more than 2.3 million people, many of whom could take advantage of education and training programs. People who receive education in prison are 43 percent less likely to commit new offenses after they are released, which helps build the country’s talent pool and can allow public funds to be spent more productively.
But in increasing access to higher education for incarcerated students is not just about lowering recidivism. It’s about preparing people to earn good jobs, improving pathways to higher wages, and addressing cyclical poverty—critical factors in improving social mobility.
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A Convening to Explore Quality and Equity in the New Credentialing Landscape
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Our future depends on creating postsecondary opportunities for everyone.
Higher education is foundational in providing all Americans a fair chance at the middle class—but we have a long way to go. As of 2016, fewer than 47 percent of Americans have an education beyond high school.
The issue affects us all. American innovation is in our DNA, but to stay competitive in the global economy, we must meet our country’s demand for skilled workers. Our challenge: ensure that 60 percent of Americans hold a high-quality credential beyond high school. And we need support from every voter, community and legislator across the country.
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Learn MoreFeatured Team
Meet the team
Jamie Merisotis
President and CEO
Holiday Hart McKiernan
McKiernan served at Lumina Foundation from 2003 to 2023
Debra Humphreys
Vice President of Strategic Engagement
Matthew Jenkins
Digital Producer and Editor
Kevin Corcoran
Strategy Director
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the US is falling behind in higher education. Can we turn the tide?
Who are today's higher education students? They might not be exactly who you think. About 40% of today’s students work full time, while another 40% are at least 25 years old, with many coming from low-income families.
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More of today’s students are adults, veterans, immigrants and people of color.
As the country makeup has changed, so too have the kinds of students that colleges and universities must serve. For the benefit of individuals and society, we must give them the support they need to succeed.
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“Lumina has become more equity driven.”
Courtney Brown
Vice President of Impact and Planning
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