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The Undereducated American

The Undereducated American

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Using an economic growth model pioneered by noted labor economists, The Undereducated American finds that if we are to make up for lost ground in postsecondary attainment and respond to future economic requirements, we will need to add an additional 20 million postsecondary-educated workers to the economy by 2025. This includes 15 million new Bachelor’s degree holders, 4 million workers with non-degree postsecondary credentials, and 1 million workers with an Associate’s degree.

Key Findings

1

Looking ahead to the year 2025, there are two potential paths forward. Current supply trend: +1.0 percent per year. Supply trend: +2.6 percent per year.
2

From 1915 to 1980, supply grew in tandem with demand. But, starting in 1990, the share of college-educated young people in the workforce rose very slowly.
3

The disparity between the wages of college-educated workers and high school-educated workers will jump from 74 percent to 96 percent if we do nothing.
4

If we add 20 million postsecondary-educated workers, wages will rise by education level: high school diploma (24%), Associate’s degree (15%), and Bachelor’s degree (6%).

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The United States has been underproducing college-educated workers for decades. The undersupply of postsecondary-educated workers has led to both inefficiency and inequity.

Adding 20 million additional postsecondary-educated workers over the course of the next 15 years will help us meet the economy’s need for efficiency and reduce income inequality.

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Full Report
Executive Summary
PowerPoint
Press Release
Infographic