Educating for the Future. 2021 Update

In 2015, the Minnesota Legislature enacted a state postsecondary educational attainment goal that 70% of Minnesota adults (age 25 to 44) will have attained a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2025 (Minn. Laws 2015 Chapter 69 Article 3 Sec. 6). Most importantly in recognition of existing gaps in attainment, the law also sets 30% and 50% educational attainment benchmarks for all races and ethnicities as interim goals. Current estimates show that 62.5% of Minnesotans aged 25-44 years completed a postsecondary credential. This percentage increased as compared to 2015 estimates (57.5%). This yearly report provides an update on where Minnesota is at in their state postsecondary educational attainment goal. While Minnesota is making progress towards the 70% educational attainment goal, attainment gaps persist among Black, Indigenous, and persons of color. Showing attainment rates by basic race groups hides differences within each group that are important. In order for Minnesota to maintain economic growth and ensure continued prosperity, the state and its colleges must engage communities of color and American Indian communities in postsecondary education. [For the 2020 report, see ED616055.]