In 2019, 42.4% of Georgians held a post-secondary degree. Another 10.4% had earned an occupational license, certificate, or certification, bringing Georgia’s post-secondary attainment rate to 52.8%.

For Georgia to remain competitive on the global stage, state leaders will need to set the sights higher, focusing on an attainment goal of 65%. While annual increases in attainment rates have averaged 1 to 1.2% since 2012, a closer look at the data suggests Georgia will encounter headwinds in reaching the North Star.

Three factors will make reaching 65% attainment more difficult: a generation of skilled and credentialed workers reaching retirement age, a growing share of the youth population lacking access to high-quality educational opportunities, and low postsecondary attainment for Black and Latino residents.

With the share of the White population expected to dip below 50% by 2030 and enrollments declining at institutions serving students of color and working adults, Georgia will fall behind without a bold strategy to support post-secondary enrollment and completion efforts for underserved groups.

Expanding access to all types of credential programs could provide a way for all Georgians, especially nontraditional students, adult learners, disengaged youth, and low-income residents, to fully participate in the state’s economic prosperity.