According to a recent report released by the Lumina Foundation, Colorado leads the nation in postsecondary education attainment.
The report reviewed the population aged 25-64 to see how many people obtained some form of postsecondary credential including certifications, professional degrees and certificates to graduate.
Colorado scored a 62.9% attainment level according to the 2022 data. National data showed that 54.3% of U.S. working adults have a postsecondary degree or certificate.
According to the report, the national attainment goal is 60%. Colorado has a goal to increase attainment to 66% by 2025.
“Colorado is proud to lead the nation in educational attainment, but we know we can do even better. We want to ensure that every Coloradan has the opportunity to get the skills they need to fill good-paying jobs that power our economy. This landmark report shows that Colorado is moving in the right direction, and we continue working to innovate and create even more ways that people can get credentialed or certified for skills they acquire in life or in higher education,” Polis said.
The report began in 2009. Over the years, Colorado has increased its attainment rate from 60.5% in 2021. The state has also increased how many people have attained a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Bachelor degrees increased from 24.5% in 2009 to 30.5% in 2022. Graduate degrees increased from 12.9% in 2009 to 16.6% in 2022, according to the report.
A report by Georgetown University states that Colorado is projected to be the leading state in terms of the percentage of jobs that will require a bachelor’s degree by 2031. Seventy-three percent of Colorado jobs currently require some form of postsecondary education.
In 2023, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education created a strategic plan “Building Skills in an Evolving Economy” to focus on increasing the economic mobility of Coloradans by aligning postsecondary talent development with industry and statewide needs.
"I am proud that Colorado has secured its place as the leading state in postsecondary educational attainment in the country,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE. “Our commitment to excellence in education positions us at the forefront, and with this achievement, we stand ready to be responsive to the dynamic needs of the industry and workforce. By aligning our educational initiatives with the demands of the evolving job market, we ensure that our residents are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success.”
