Higher Education in California

Higher education enhances Californians’ lives and contributes to the state’s economic growth. But population and education trends suggest that California is facing a large shortfall of college graduates. Addressing this short­fall will require strong gains for groups that have been historically under­represented in higher education. Substantial improvement in educational outcomes will create a more productive economy, higher incomes and tax revenues, and less pressure on the social safety net. This briefing kit highlights the most pressing issues in seven key areas.

• California’s higher education system
• Addressing California’s skills gap
• Expanding college access
• Improving college completion
• Increasing equity and diversity
• Investing in public higher education
• Making college affordable