A recent report from Indiana's Commission on Higher Education, authored by Michael J. Hicks, reveals alarming trends in the state's educational attainment and economic prospects. The report highlights that Indiana ranks among the bottom 10 states for educational attainment, with only 53% of high school graduates attending college. Furthermore, just 68% of those who enroll complete their degrees within six years, indicating a significant gap in educational success. This situation is compounded by the fact that only 21 out of every 100 Hoosier children who start college manage to graduate and remain in Indiana, raising concerns about a potential 'brain drain' as graduates seek opportunities elsewhere. [54fbcb2c]
The analysis emphasizes that from 2015 to 2024, Indiana added 74,421 jobs for college graduates but only 1.4 jobs for every 100 high school graduates, underscoring the growing demand for higher education in the job market. Despite this demand, funding for public universities in Indiana has decreased by one-third over the past two decades, which may hinder the state's ability to produce a skilled workforce. The report also notes that economic growth is increasingly concentrated in states with higher educational attainment, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes to improve educational outcomes in Indiana. [54fbcb2c]
In response to these challenges, the state has expanded eligibility for the 21st Century Scholars program, aiming to increase college attendance rates among low-income students. However, the report suggests that more comprehensive reforms are necessary to address the widening educational attainment gap and ensure that Indiana can compete economically on a national scale. [54fbcb2c]