Facts & Statistics

• The U.S. must produce 64 million degrees between 2005 and 2025 to remain competitive with leading nations and meet labor force needs. At the current degree-awarding rate, a gap of 16 million degrees is anticipated.

• By 2013, the U.S. will have three million more jobs requiring a bachelor's degree and not enough college graduates to fill them.

• In the U.S., more then 59 million people, or 30 percent of the adult population, are untouched by postsecondary education. In 35 states, more then 60 percent of the population does not have an associate's degree or higher.

• In 2004, adult learners made up approximately 43 percent of total enrollment at community colleges, and represented 12 percent of all postsecondary education students.

• 40 percent of the nation’s 16 million college and university students are 25 years of age or older.