Kentucky recently committed itself to majorly increasing its postsecondary education rate. It’s a goal which can be surprising when one considers the context it exists within. Educational costs are up, loans are up, and the power of the college degree is down. However, Kentucky recognized the power that postsecondary education holds regardless.
After all, the difference between those with a bachelors degree and a high school degree is night and day. The median income of someone in Kentucky 10 years after their degree acquisition is $20K higher for college graduates. Public assistance programs see 22% less use for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. And those with a bachelor’s degree have higher rates of employment. These differences, and others, make it more obvious why so many still opt to enter college today. For other states the difference between these two populations is even bigger, but Kentucky is the one to enact change.
It’s these differences that make a college degree a powerful tool, not just for the individual, but overarching society. More degrees means more workplace participation, more income being earned and spent, and a strong economy. It’s no surprise then that Kentucky recognized this mutual interest in education and capitalized. Now it’s just a matter of seeing if Kentucky can make true on their promise of increased education.
