Universities Are Vital to Alabama's Communities
That's why we're honored to connect with community leadership groups across the state to share the impact that baccalaureate universities have on local economies.
The Higher Education Partnership recognizes that grassroots advocacy starts in each and every community across Alabama. It is our mission to communicate the value of higher education across the State - not only to legislators, but also to local leaders, economic developers, and community advocates. Whether you're an alumni of one of Alabama's 14 public universities or just an engaged community member invested in learning and future growth, we'd love to partner with you!
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In the last two years, the Higher Education Partnership has visited more than 50 civic groups to discuss the role of universities in the future of a diversified economy. Preview a presentation from Executive Director, Gordon Stone, to the right, or reach out to Clif Davis to schedule a presenation below.
Bachelor's Degree Graduates Add to Community Wealth
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An individual with a Bachelor's degree can expect to make more than $1 million over the course of their lives.
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In Alabama, in 2022, individuals with a Bachelor's degree could expect to make nearly 22 percent more than their peers with lower levels of education.
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Higher income levels are directly correlated with higher income and sales tax recipets, translating to more funding opportunities for your community - without adding strain to the pockets of individual community members!
The future of the diversified economy relies on jobs that require a Bachelor's degree or higher.
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42 percent of jobs projected to be available in 2031 will require a Bachelor's degree or higher.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics shows that the highest percentage of job growth in the last ten years across the nation is for fields that require a Bachelor's degree for entry.
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Currently, Alabama lags nearly 9 percentage points behind the national average in Bachelor's degree holders. This limits the type of industry that can be recruited and causes current college students to look outside the state for dream jobs.
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By investing in raising educational attainment levels in our communities, Alabama can diversify to include a knowledge-based economy that will work hand-in-hand with manufacturing strengths to fortify the state for future economic growth.
Raising education levels across the state will enrich quality of life in communities.
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Adults with a college degree are more likely to vote, to volunteer, and to donate their money than those with lower levels of income.
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Across their lifetime, college graduates cost the government roughly $82,000 less per person than those without a degree, according to the Lumina Foundation.
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Public universities educate civil servants - from nurses, to social workers, to teachers and beyond.
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Research, development, and service projects at Alabama's public universities offers world-class opportunities for discovery and new invention, as well as arts, culture and more.
