There has been a discernible drop in college enrollment in American schools. The unrelenting increase in tuition costs and the crippling burden of student debt are the obvious causes of this trend. Enrollment rates have been declining annually by nearly 2% since 2010.
This drop emphasizes a simple fact: not everyone can afford or be drawn to a college education. On the other hand, not having a bachelor’s degree can have a big influence on one’s earning potential, job security, and career opportunities.
About 32.1% of adults in the US who are 25 years of age or older hold a bachelor’s degree or above. However, there is a large range in educational attainment, with many localities performing below the national average.
Using information from the U.S. Census Bureau, we have determined which state’s least educated community is. Lincoln Park holds such distinction in Michigan. Lincoln Park has a far lower percentage of its adult population with a bachelor’s degree or above (9.4%) than the state average of 29.1%.
Low educational attainment has far-reaching effects on people’s lives. It has an impact on income levels, employment stability, and career options.
People who have completed college typically make roughly 67% more money than people who have only completed high school. Unfortunately, household earnings in low-education communities like Lincoln Park typically fall below the state median.
It is important to note that all of the data utilized in this research, which focuses on localities with populations more than 25,000, is based on five-year estimates from the 2019 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Even while problems still exist, recognizing educational inequalities can open doors for focused solutions and support networks. We can work to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Michigan residents and beyond by tackling the root causes of poor educational achievement.