Indicator : Adults with college education

Rationale: Measuring the percentage of Minnesotans with higher education degrees and experience provides insight into the skills of Minnesota's workforce and how it compares internationally.

Year 1980 34.5% 1990 45.5% 1994 52.2% 1995 52.2% 1999 61.6% 2000 59.1%

Data source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

Year 1980 17.3% 1990 20.1% 1991 22.3% 1993 23.3% 1994 26.3% 1995 26.5% 1996 26.3% 1997 28.3% 1998 31% 1999 32% 2000 27.4%

Data source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

Year 1980 5% 1990 5.8% 2000 8.3%

Data source: U.S. Bureau of the Census

About this indicator: The percentage of Minnesotans age 25 and older with at least some college education rose to 59.1 percent in 2000, a significant increase from 45.5 percent in 1990. States and countries with a better-educated adult population tend to have stronger economies and a higher standard of living. A workforce that is well educated, especially in the fastest-growing fields, also gives Minnesota a competitive advantage in attracting new businesses and industries.

The percentage of Minnesotans with at least a bachelor's degree rose from 20 percent in 1990 to 27.4 percent in 2000. During the same period, the percentage of Minnesotans with a graduate or professional degree increased from 5.8 percent to 8.3 percent.

For comparison: Minnesota continues to have one of the best-educated populations in the country. At 59.1 percent, the percent of Minnesotans age 25 and over with some college experience was well above the national rate of 51.8 percent. However, Minnesota's rate of 8.3 percent for those holding graduate or professional degrees was below the national rate of 8.9 percent.

Things to think about: A college degree can mean as much as $600,000 more in lifetime earnings, compared to a high school degree, according to the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office. However, four-year college degrees are not the most appropriate path for some students and some professions. Two-year degree programs provide appropriate preparation for many available jobs.

Technical notes: Data between census years is from the Current Population Survey-March supplement on educational attainment. Data for the percentage of Minnesotans with "at least some college" is only available in certain years.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of the Census, Decennial Census, 1980 and 1990, www.census.gov
• U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (for other years), www.bls.census.gov/cps/cpsmain.htm

Related indicators:

• College entrance scores
• High school graduation
• Post-high school education and training
• Job placement after two-year college

Other related indicators:

• College enrollment by age, gender, and race or ethnic origin (Minnesota Higher Education Services Office, www.mheso.state.mn.us)
• Five-year college graduation rates (University of Minnesota, www1.umn.edu; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, www.mnscu.edu; and Minnesota Private College Council, www.mn-colleges.org)
• Minnesota's share of national research and development spending (National Science Foundation, National Patterns of R&D Resources, www.nsf.gov)
• Minnesota's share of U.S. patents (U.S. Department of Commerce, http://home.doc.gov)