Who’s Ready to Upskill?

Summary
A perceived need for additional education is significant overall but varies by state and region. Some states will need to make a greater effort to help individuals see additional education as a relevant path to career advancement.
65% of the U.S. workforce doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree.
Nearly half of the U.S. workforce feels they need additional education to advance in their current career, particularly those without college experience and who are not taking college courses.
This perceived need for career-advancing education varies significantly across state and regional economies.
When asked which educational credentials would be most helpful to advance in their current careers, those with some college experience and no degree, and associate degrees give highest priority to a bachelor’s degree. Those without high school diplomas or with technical/vocational degrees prioritize licenses and certificates.

- 65% of the U.S. workforce doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree.
- Nearly half of the U.S. workforce feels they need additional education to advance in their current career, particularly those without college experience and who are not taking college courses.
- This perceived need for career-advancing education varies significantly across state and regional economies.
- When asked which educational credentials would be most helpful to advance in their current careers, those with some college experience and no degree, and associate degrees give highest priority to a bachelor’s degree. Those without high school diplomas or with technical/vocational degrees prioritize licenses and certificates.
- A perceived need for additional education is significant overall, but varies by state and region.
- The need is clear for more education that can help advance careers, particularly from those who have no postsecondary experience or credential.
- Those who have completed an educational credential that is relevant to their work are more likely to value additional education.
- Industry-recognized credentials may be overlooked by some groups as valuable pathways for upskilling and economic mobility.
