Higher Education in California

Higher education is a key driver of economic growth and individual opportunity in California. But the state has not been keeping up with a strong and growing demand for skilled workers. Recent investments and initiatives have helped increase enrollment, graduation rates, and the number of degrees awarded. Substantial gains in these areas-particularly among historically underrepresented groups-will help improve equity, boost economic mobility, increase tax revenue, and put less pressure on the social safety net.

This briefing kit highlights California’s most pressing higher education challenges in eight key areas.

• California’s higher education system
• Expanding college access
• Improving college completion
• Increasing equity and diversity
• Investing in public higher education
• Making college affordable
• Meeting California’s workforce needs
• Strengthening career education