Postsecondary Degrees and Credentials
In 2021, 55% of Maine adults had a credential of value, up from 53% in 2019.
Favorable movement since the last available data
Benchmark: By 2025, 60% of Maine adults will have a degree or non-degree credential of value.
Overview
This indicator shows the proportion of Maine adults who hold a postsecondary degree or a non-degree credential of value, such as an industry certification. The Council supports Maine’s statutory goal of 60% of adults holding a degree or a non-degree credential by 2025—a goal promoted by MaineSpark, a coalition of education institutions, nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, and businesses.
The Council recognizes the growing importance of non-degree career paths, including professional certifications, licenses, digital badges, and military service. The Lumina Foundation reports that in 2021, 7.3% of Maine adults ages 25-64 who lacked postsecondary degrees held one of these occupational credentials. That is above the New England average of 6.1% and below the national average of 8.0%. In all, an estimated 55% of Maine adults ages 25-64 held an associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree, or a non-degree credential of value in 2021, up from 53% in 2019.
Fig. A
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Postsecondary Attainment of Maine Adults
Lumina Foundation