Postsecondary Education Is a Game Changer
When it comes to economic mobility, few experiences rival the impact of earning a college degree. Among 28 different pathways to upward mobility, a postsecondary education stands out for its ability to transform lives, boosting lifetime income by an average of 39%.
For first-generation college students, the effect is even more profound. A degree doesn’t just change the trajectory of one individual, it reshapes the expectations and opportunities for entire families. It sends a powerful message: postsecondary education is possible, and it’s within reach.
Communities benefit too. In Missouri, each additional college graduate contributes $11,832 to the state’s GDP and helps create 5.6 support jobs. That’s a strong return on investment not just for the student, but for the state as a whole.
Working together across our network, we can reduce the barriers of access, affordability and completion and open pathways to brighter futures for more Missourians.