THE PATH TO 70%
The enrollment crisis continues
So many people in my nursing program couldn’t go to school without financial aid
Quincey Christenson studies nursing at Heritage University. When she was 12, Quincey spent a lot of time in the hospital — time that inspired her to become a nurse. Click play to hear Quincey’s story.
Most jobs in Washington state, even before the pandemic, were filled by workers who earned some form of postsecondary credential — such as a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship. Credentials also protect Washingtonians from changes in the economy.
Despite the economic necessity of earning a credential beyond high school, far too few Washington students are completing postsecondary education and training. Fall 2023 enrollment at Washington’s public two- and four-year institutions is down by more than 50,000 students compared to fall 2019.
Source: Washington Roundtable
Additionally, the estimated credential attainment rate for the high school class of 2021 is 40%—three percentage points lower than the class of 2019. Our Black, Hispanic and Latinx, and Native American students are projected to earn credentials at even lower rates.
