The State Council for Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) released an analysis today that found the rate of working-age Virginians who possess a postsecondary credential or degree remained flat in 2022. However, improvements were found for certain demographic groups.

In 2022, an estimated 59.0% of Virginians aged 25-64 years-old had earned either a workforce certificate or certification or a college degree. This figure represents a slight decline from 2021’s estimate of 59.3%. The estimates rely on the American Community Survey and are subject to sampling error. Virginia improved its rank to sixth in the nation due to a decline in Connecticut’s attainment rate.

The college-degree attainment rate of Black/African American Virginians increased nearly two points to 39%. The attainment rate of Hispanic/Latino Virginians improved 1.5 points from 35.4% to 36.9%. Other groups remained mostly flat.

The analysis is based on the Lumina Foundation’s report A stronger Nation: Learning Beyond High School Builds American Talent.

Postsecondary attainment is associated with economic and social benefits: College graduates earn higher wages, are more likely to have health insurance, pay taxes, vote and volunteer, and are less likely to rely on public assistance. Pathways to Opportunity, Virginia's strategic plan for higher education, sets a target of achieving an attainment rate of 70% for working-aged Virginians by 2030.

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