By Danielle Smith:
Tennessee is working to increase the number of people enrolled in college and career training programs, which the state believes will be necessary for securing good jobs in the future. There is still a lot more work to be done.
Tennessee ranks 46th among states in terms of the percentage of working-age adults who hold degrees or post-high school career credentials.
The Lumina Foundation, which tracks states’ progress in higher education, estimates that 75% of adults will need degrees or credentials by 2040.
Steven Gentile, Ed.D, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, said the state must improve to strengthen its workforce and drive economic growth. He points to several initiatives aimed at helping to put college completion within reach.
“We have Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, which provide tuition-free education,” said Gentile. The governor announced the Tennessee Works scholarship, which will provide tuition-free education for students attending technical colleges.
The Lumina report found in 2023, just over 38% of the Tennessee labor force had a post-high school degree, certificate, or certification, and wages at least 15% above the median earnings of a high school graduate.
Seventeen years ago, Lumina Foundation’s first goal was for 60% of working-age adults to earn a degree or certification by 2025.
Tennessee’s goal for this year has been 55%. But Gentile said the pandemic was a big setback that affected college enrollment nationwide.
“So, will we make 55%? I’m hopeful,” said Gentile. However, we also knew that we would not stop with 2025 — we need to be focused on attainment for 2030 and 2035 as well.
Gentile said Tennessee leads the nation in per-student funding for financial aid. The commission also has advisors out in the field helping adult learners navigate their way back to college.
“So, any adult who wants to retool – go back to college and earn their first credential – can do so and have it be tuition-free, and we’re making that happen,” said Gentile. And so, it’s just about continuously ensuring that potential students are aware of its availability.
Lumina has stated that reaching the 2040 goal will require states to do more to make college more affordable, improve financial aid, and ensure that schools provide clear value to students and their communities.
