Graphs - Environment

Although a small group for now, speakers of Spanish, whether born here or elsewhere, represent Ohio's fastest-growing demographic, now totaling more than 300,000 residents.

Demographic changes pose both threats and opportunities to higher education, as even Ohio's neighbors show considerable variation in the rate of change in high school graduations.

New projections continue to show that high school graduations in the midwestern states will fall precipitously after this year's class.

Not only does completing a bachelor's degree mean more time at work, but propotionately more income. For every dollar earned by a bachelor's degree holder, an associate degree holder earns just 69 cents.

Median Family Income v. Educational Attainment By State, 2006

Source: US Census Bureau

States whose populations have proportionately more bachelor's degrees than Ohio also have higher family incomes.

Although Ohio's youger population is increasingly better educated, the state still has work to do just to even reach the nation's average.

Projections of Change in Public High School Grads

Ohio colleges and universities face substantial demographic challenges in the coming years, as the number of high school graduates available to continue to higher education will start to fall off precipitously.

Population Projection for 18- to 24-Year-Olds

It's not just the baby boom that's making Ohio Older.
As fewer Ohioans in the future will be of "traditional" college age, colleges and universities will need to add a new focus on adult learners.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Public High School Graduates in Ohio- Actual and Projected to 2016

#degreesbyrace

By 2010, the number of new high school graduations in Ohio will begin a precipitous decline. Where will the new college students come from?

Source: National Center for Education Statistics