This year’s educational attainment rate of 51% is more than a full percentage point higher than last year and represents over 30,000 additional Louisianians who have earned degrees or credentials. Louisiana eclipsed the 50% attainment mark for the first time in the same year that Regents celebrated its 50th anniversary.

 Since 2021, Louisiana’s educational attainment rate has grown nearly four percentage points from 47.3% to 51% in 2024. Each percentage point increase in educational attainment represents more than 23,000 additional people completing a degree or high-value credential – a number greater than the population of Ruston, Chalmette, or Hammond.

 “Louisiana’s Pathway to 2030 continues to blaze a trail toward our 60% attainment goal and the latest data prove that our state is on a trajectory to reach it,” said Regents Chair Misti Cordell. “We wouldn’t be here if not for the collaborative efforts of our higher education systems, institutions, workforce training leaders, and K-12 partners, along with the support of the Governor, the legislature, and our workforce and community partners across the state.”

At the halfway point since its creation in 2019, the Master Plan continues to focus on expanding pathways and growing the education-to-employment pipeline. The new report shows that there were more than 73,000 completers in Louisiana in 2024, with more than 80% of public postsecondary graduates working in jobs designated as high-demand by the state’s workforce star rating system.

“Our partnership with Louisiana’s two-year and four-year institutions is critical to produce a ready workforce that addresses the unique local and regional needs of business and industry,” said Susana Schowen, Secretary for the Louisiana Workforce Commission. “Our strong collaboration with the Board of Regents has positioned us to move policy that impacts and advances our state farther and faster. This collective one-team approach is the secret sauce to improve our state.”

The goal for Louisiana is to more than double the number of credentials earned annually by focusing on increasing high school dual enrollment participation rates and improving overall student success, as well as increasing education and training for adults. Ultimately the emphasis on credentials of value is designed to build Louisiana’s workforce participation rate while demonstrating a strong return on investment.

“Education is a lifeboat that can enable Louisiana’s residents to literally weather any storm,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. “I’m proud to see increased success as we develop talent, advance research, and strengthen the pipeline to employment. That is how we will ensure that our citizens and state prosper.” 

In other Board action, the FY 2024-25 operating budgets for Regents, LUMCON, LOSFA, and the four systems were approved. The Board also approved the evaluation of the Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. During the Statewide Programs Committee meeting, Regents, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, announced two new collegiate recovery programs at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Northwestern State University as part of National Recovery Month.

The Master Plan Year 5 report can be viewed here or at www.laregents.edu. The initial 2019 Master Plan and each year’s annual report can also be viewed at www.laregents.edu/masterplan.
 

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