DETROIT (WWJ) -- The Detroit Regional Chamber released its State of Education report Wednesday, which showed that while college enrollment is down nationwide, Michigan lags even further behind.
Mostly due to COVID-19, the nation has an eight person decline, while the state has a nine person decline.
Baruah said that out of every 100 ninth grade students in the entire Metro Detroit area, 81 will complete high school and 60 will attend college -- but only 33 will actually graduate with a degree.
Sandy Baruah, the Chamber CEO and president, attributed the decline of college enrollment to Michigan's "leaky education pipeline." The goal is to help increase the college graduation rate to 60% by 2030.
The report covers both K-12 and higher education, in the City of Detroit and in the 11-county region.
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This 60% increased graduation rate will help increase income across the board by $51 billion in 2018, said Baruah. The average per capita income for Detroit is just over $52,000. By 2030, it's estimated the income can grow to almost $68,000 if they hit that 60% level.
"Any of these post-secondary credentials is good for individuals, is good for their families. is good for communities -- let alone the fact it's good for businesses," he said.
Baruah stressed the importance of Metro Detroiters finishing their college education with a four-year degree.
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"A four-year degree is the best route to move from the working poor to the middle class and beyond."
You can view the State of Education report HERE.