Obtaining a college or technical school degree is important in today’s global economy. By 2020, 60 percent of Florida jobs will require a post-secondary degree or certificate. Currently only 38 percent of working-age Floridians have earned a two- or four-year degree, according to an analysis of national and state education data by the Florida College Access Network.
Increasing post-secondary attainment increases the region’s ability to attract higher-paying industries and business, generating sustainable economic development. Consequently, it also means career advancement for the underemployed and an enticement for local college graduates to return home for work.