58%

WHERE DO WE STAND?

Over half (58%) of Central Texas students who enroll in a Texas college or university within one year of graduating from high school in 2018 earned a post- secondary credential within six years.  The majority of these students obtained Bachelor’s degrees, but also includes a smaller portion who earned Associates Degrees and Certificates. Data do not include the students who attend postsecondary programs out of state.

A CLOSER LOOK

Black high school graduates and Hispanic high school graduates complete postsecondary education programs at lower rates than Asian or White students. For the Class of 2018, 39% of Black and 47% of Hispanic high school graduates completed postsecondary education programs within six years. This is compared to 84% of Asian and 66% of White students. These rates have remained relatively consistent over time.

A CLOSER LOOK

Central Texas high school graduates from low-income families have much lower 6-year postsecondary completion rates than graduates from moderate to high-income families. For the Class of 2018, 41% of low-income high school graduates completed a postsecondary program by 2024, compared to 67% of moderate to high-income graduates.

WHERE LOCAL STUDENTS GO TO COLLEGE

More than one-third of the Class of 2022 who enrolled in a Texas postsecondary program within a year of graduating from high school enrolled in Austin Community College (34%). About 18% attended Texas State University in San Marcos, 13% attended the University of Texas at Austin, and about 11% attended Texas A&M-College Station. Over three quarters (76%) of students in the Class of 2022 who enrolled in a Texas college within a year of graduating high school enrolled in one of these four institutions.

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

In 2023, 65% of Travis County residents over the age of 25 had  earned an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree or a graduate or professional degree.

Over the past 5 years, the percentage of Travis County residents with some high school only, or a high school diploma or GED have declined, while the percentage with an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree have increased.