Innovative Environment:

Educational Attainment

Key message

Educational attainment is an important indicator of the human capital that is available in Oregon. The role of education in creating a successful innovation environment cannot be overstated. Investments in Oregon's educational system—kindergarten through graduate school—will benefit the state in the form of a highly skilled workforce.

Why is it significant?

Educational attainment is a key driver of the innovation economy. Innovation cannot occur if educated people are not plentiful in Oregon companies, universities and other innovation incubators.

How does Oregon perform?

Educational attainment is rising in Oregon and meets or exceeds the national average at all levels. In 2007, Oregon ranked 19th nationally in the percentage of residents with a college degree or higher. Oregon still trails some competitor states, particularly in the percentage of adults with Bachelor's degrees or higher. See Figure 24 & 25.

Figure 25. Educational Attainment

	High School Graduate and Higher			Bachelor's Degree and Higher			Graduate or Professional Degree
	2002	2006	2007	2002	2006	2007	2002	2006	2007
Arizona	82%	84%	83%	23%	25%	25%	8%	9%	9%
California	79%	80%	80%	29%	29%	30%	10%	10%	11%
Colorado	87%	88%	89%	33%	34%	35%	12%	12%	12%
Idaho	85%	87%	88%	23%	23%	24%	7%	7%	8%
Minnesota	90%	91%	91%	30%	30%	31%	9%	10%	10%
New York	82%	83%	84%	29%	31%	32%	13%	13%	14%
Oregon	87%	88%	88%	26%	28%	28%	10%	10%	10%
Utah	90%	90%	90%	27%	29%	29%	8%	9%	9%
Washington	89%	89%	89%	30%	30%	30%	10%	11%	11%
United States	83%	84%	84%	26%	27%	27%	9%	10%	10%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau