Good news is always great to hear. For example, the news that a greater share of Arkansans holds bachelor's degrees today than in 2010.
But ...
What’s the point?
Changing the culture of expectations in Arkansas is vital to increasing the number of people who hold college degrees.
This being Arkansas, the state we love, you knew there had to be a "but."
Arkansas is still woefully short when compared to other states, according to a recent release of information by the U.S. Census Bureau. During the period covered by the data, the state's rate of earned bachelor's degrees grew from 19.1 percent of Arkansans 18 and older to 22 percent. That's the silver lining we can all hang on to. Progress is what's needed and we'll take it.
But nationally, 30.9 percent of people 18 and older had a bachelor's degree in 2017.
Arkansas ranks 50th in percentage terms, which sounds like dead last. The Census folks include the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in the rankings, so Mississippi and West Virginia bring up the rear. Maybe not a silver lining. More like pewter.
Three counties can (and should) toot their horns. Northwest Arkansas' Benton and Washington counties, along with central Arkansas' Pulaski County, are the only counties of all 75 with rates of bachelor's degree holders higher than the national average in 2017. It's no mistake those counties are close to major institutions of higher education.
Let's not stereotype, but it's safe to say many of our fellow Arkansans simply do not come up in a "go to college" culture. Some of them are immensely knowledgeable, having learned from life experiences and reading. We recommend that to everyone.
Arkansas' problem is at least two-fold: We know formal education generally pays, as in higher lifetime incomes, better health outcomes and other measures. We also know at 22 percent, the state's percentage is a hard hurdle for 21st century companies looking for a location.
For many residents, though, it's to be expected that they would ask "Why should I?" The dearth of demand for college-degree jobs in much of the state can be translated this way: "If I get a degree, I'm going to have to move away from my community to put it to use." They look at the high costs of a college education and ponder whether there's a real benefit to them. If staying near family and friends is the priority, college education may appear to threaten it.
We'd encourage public school educators and parents to work on shifting the culture of the state by expressing the hopes and dreams for their students to pursue education beyond high school.
The hopes and dreams of the state will be right there with them.
Commentary on 12/18/2018