Indiana lags nation in educational attainment despite long-term gains: Report

Indiana has made significant progress in postsecondary education attainment over the last 15 years, yet it still lags behind the national average. According to Lumina Foundation’s latest “A Stronger Nation” report, 53.8% of working-age Hoosiers have a college degree or credential, compared to the national average of 54.9%, reported Journal Gazette.

Since 2009, Indiana’s attainment rate has grown from 33% to nearly 54%, with younger adults (ages 25-34) reaching 54.7%. However, only five states and Washington, D.C., have met Lumina’s 60% national goal for 2024. Former Indiana higher education commissioner Teresa Lubbers emphasized the state’s cultural shift toward valuing education, driven by economic and personal prosperity needs.

Despite improvements, Indiana struggles with talent retention, ranking 40th nationwide in keeping college graduates. Ethnic disparities also persist, with attainment rates varying widely: 62% for Asian Hoosiers, 43% for white, 32% for Black, and 28% for Hispanic residents.

Some counties, like Hamilton (72%) and Boone (63%), surpass the state’s goal, but others, such as LaGrange (17%), fall far behind. Experts caution that while progress may seem slow, education policies take time to impact overall attainment.