Detroit Regional Chamber > Media Coverage > State of Education shows less students in Metro Detroit enrolling in college, graduating with degrees

State of Education shows less students in Metro Detroit enrolling in college, graduating with degrees

April 7, 2022
Audacy

The Detroit Regional Chamber released its State of Education report Wednesday, which showed that while college enrollment is down nationwide, Michigan lags even further behind.

Mostly due to COVID-19, the nation has an eight person decline, while the state has a nine person decline.

Baruah said that out of every 100 ninth grade students in the entire Metro Detroit area, 81 will complete high school and 60 will attend college — but only 33 will actually graduate with a degree.

Sandy Baruah, the Chamber CEO and president, attributed the decline of college enrollment to Michigan’s “leaky education pipeline.” The goal is to help increase the college graduation rate to 60% by 2030.

The report covers both K-12 and higher education, in the City of Detroit and in the 11-county region.

This 60% increased graduation rate will help increase income across the board by $51 billion in 2018, said Baruah. The average per capita income for Detroit is just over $52,000. By 2030, it’s estimated the income can grow to almost $68,000 if they hit that 60% level.

“Any of these post-secondary credentials is good for individuals, is good for their families. is good for communities — let alone the fact it’s good for businesses,” he said.

Baruah stressed the importance of Metro Detroiters finishing their college education with a four-year degree.

“A four-year degree is the best route to move from the working poor to the middle class and beyond.”

You can view the State of Education report HERE.

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