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Improve the value of postsecondary learning

Indicator 1: Increase the educational attainment of Washington adults

Measure a: Percentage of adults completing degrees or certificates

Description:

Degrees and Certificates Granted
as a percent of residents ages 18-25 (lagged 5 years)

This indicator uses the total number of degrees and certificates awarded in a year as the numerator and the population age 18 to 25 lagged five years as the denominator. The count of two-year degrees and certificates includes all awarded by institutions in the public community and technical college system. The count of four-year degrees includes degrees at all levels, baccalaureate and above, awarded by public and independent four-year higher education institutions. The prime college-attending age group of 18 to 25 was selected as the population base for this indicator.

Population data are based on OFM's November 2006 state population forecast. Degree and certificate counts are based on the U.S. Department of Education Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Increased percentage of adults completing certificates / degrees
IPEDS Degrees / Certs Total Degrees as % of Population Population
1994-95
59,046
10.4%
1990
567,474
1995-96
60,460
10.5%
1991
574,722
1996-97
58,984
10.2%
1992
575,726
1997-98
58,680
10.1%
1993
581,792
1998-99
57,848
9.9%
1994
583,798
1999-2000
60,940
10.4%
1995
585,198
2000-01
61,200
10.5%
1996
583,094
2001-02
63,717
11.0%
1997
581,854
2002-03
68,826
11.5%
1998
597,028
2003-04
74,133
12.0%
1999
617,300
2004-05
73,596
11.5%
2000
637,383
2005-06
73,392
11.2%
2001
653,913
2006-07
73,748
11.0%
2002
669,933
2003
683,440
2004
699,519
2005
715,705
2006
733,706
2007
747,706
2008
763,401

Sources:

U.S. Department of Education Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Office of Financial Management-State Population Forecast