Rhode Island Must Improve College Participation and Credential Attainment Rates to Remain Competitive

• To remain globally competitive, the U.S. and each state should ensure that at least 60% of adults ages 25 to 64 have an associate or bachelor’s degree by 2025. In Rhode Island, the current rate is 41.2%.
• Rhode Island ranks 45th among 50 states in the size of the credential increase it needs to achieve annually. To meet the 60% goal, it will need to produce an additional 46,047 degrees by 2025.
• By achieving rates of the top-performing states, Rhode Island can produce about 35,000 bachelor’s degrees, 34,000 associate degrees and 3,800 certificates by 2025.

Meeting Credential Goal Produces Significant Personal Economic Return

Per capita income increases when the state meets 60% credential attainment goal

• Under current postsecondary investment patterns, annual personal per capita income in Rhode Island is projected to decrease by about $300 in 2025.
• By meeting the 60% credential attainment goal, annual per capita income would increase significantly more, by approximately $1,400 in 2025.

Meeting Credential Goal Produces Significant Economic Returns to the State

Status quo produces negative returns

Under current postsecondary investment patterns, Rhode 
Island’s state revenues will decrease by about $50 million 
in 2025.

Meeting 60% credential goal pays off

By meeting the 60% credential goal, Rhode Island will generate more annual revenue, topping approximately $250 million in 
2025.

State Revenues Exceed Costs When Credential Goal is Met

Status Quo: Costs exceed revenues

Under current postsecondary investment patterns, Rhode 
Island’s revenues are about $37 million below costs in 
2025.

Meet 2025 goal: Revenues exceed costs

By meeting the 60% credential attainment goal, Rhode Island’s revenues exceed postsecondary costs by about $245 million by 2025.

This analysis was prepared using the CLASP-NCHEMS Return on Investment Dashboard tool.  See clasp2022.tealmedia.dev/ROIdashboard