Minnesota is known for its robust economy powered by a strong workforce. But it also has some of the largest racial employment and education disparities in the nation. Research suggests that individuals with higher levels of education are better able to compete for high quality jobs and more likely to obtain jobs with better working conditions, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. We track data on postsecondary degree completion, educational attainment, and proportion of adults working to better understand how Minnesota is ensuring workers are prepared to meet the demands for an educated workforce.

Minnesotans at work

Fast facts

More than two-thirds of students in Minnesota's four-year postsecondary programs graduate within normal program time

The share of students graduating within six years has been gradually increasing since the early 2000s.
69 %
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Over half of students in Minnesota’s 2-year postsecondary programs graduate or transfer within normal program time

The share of students graduating or transferring within three years has risen over the past decade.
59 %

2 in 5 adults in Minnesota have a bachelor's degree or higher

This represents an upward trend in the share of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher over several decades.
40 %

Nearly 4 in 5 working-age adults in Minnesota are employed

This is one of the highest levels of employment in the nation.
79 %

Postsecondary degree completion

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