Introducing the Credentials of Value Goal
Lumina is reimagining how we think about education attainment. As we strive to increase post-high school attainment, Lumina is equally committed to ensuring that the degrees and other credentials earned provide real value to individuals, equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities they need for long-term success.
That's why we are launching a new credentials of value goal and framework that connects education attainment with economic value. As we spearhead these new data sources and methodologies, we will add more measures to this tool.
By 2040, 75 percent of adults in the U.S. labor force will have college degrees or other credentials of value leading to economic prosperity.
Credentials of Value Share in the United States
Among -- people ages 25-64 in the labor force
Measured as the share of the labor force with a post-high school degree, certification, or certificate and are making at least 15% more than the national median annual salary of a high school graduate
Credentials of Value in the United States
2023 Share with Post-High School Credential and Earning At or Above Benchmark
ages 25-64 among the labor force, including short-term credentials; benchmark reflects 15% more than the national median annual salary/wage of a high school graduate
In 2023, -- of the labor force ages 25-64 in the United States had a post-high school degree, certificate, or certification and wages and salaries at least 15% above a high school graduate’s median earnings.
Explore how the 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico compare to the national average. To reach our 75% goal, we must work together to build equitable pathways to higher education.
2023 Share with Post-High School Credential and Earning At or Above Benchmark
ages 25-64 among the labor force, including short-term credentials; benchmark reflects 15% more than the national median annual salary/wage of a high school graduate
Higher levels of education are often linked to greater economic prosperity. Building accessible educational pathways can help create opportunities and reduce barriers to success.
In the United States, the share of individuals with a bachelor's degree who meet the benchmark is -- than the share of those with an associate degree.
2023 Share of People Earning At or Above Benchmark in the United States, within Credential Type
ages 25-64 among the labor force; benchmark reflects 15% more than the national median annual salary/wage of a high school graduate
Note: Short-term credential counts not available.
Demographics
Explore disparities in credentials of value across race/ethnicity, gender, and age groups.
2023 Share with Degree and Earning At or Above Benchmark in the United States, by Age Group
ages 25-64 among the labor force, excluding short-term credentials; benchmark reflects 15% more than the national median annual salary/wage of a high school graduate
Note: Some data may be unavailable for certain groups or time periods.
Detailed Race/Ethnicity
More granular data, including gender and detailed race/ethnicity groups, can inform a more intersectional approach to understanding disparities in credentials of value.
Share of People Earning At or Above Benchmark in the United States, by Race/Ethnicity Group and Gender
2021-2023 three-year estimates, ages 25-64 among the labor force with a degree (excluding short-term credentials); benchmark reflects 15% more than the national median annual salary/wage of a high school graduate
Note: Overall data and total race/ethnicity data uses -- one-year estimates. Subgroup data not available for Black or White race/ethnicity groups. Gender data for the Asian race/ethnicity group excludes Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Certificate/certification data not available at the race/ethnicity level.