In 2017, in response to the demand for a highly skilled workforce, New Jersey set a goal to increase the proportion of its state residents with a postsecondary credential to 65% by 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen the economy through increased access to college. This report utilizes data from the American Community Survey and the New Jersey Statewide Data System to provide a detailed analysis of the state’s progress, covering trends in enrollment, persistence, and completion from 2010 to 2021. The report describes the efforts made and explores opportunities to continue to increase postsecondary educational attainment in New Jersey.

The report was written by Khudodod Khudododov, Ph.D., Research Project Manager, and Sahar Sherwani, former Graduate Research Assistant, at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development.