50 States, 50 Opportunities for Economic Mobility 

At a community college in San Diego, a student earns an associate’s degree and lands a healthcare job that doubles her family’s income within six months of graduation. Three counties over, another graduate with the same degree struggles to find work that pays more than the typical high school graduate. The schools cost the same. The difference in economic mobility is everything. 

How We Measure Economic Mobility by State

About a decade ago, the federal government launched an initiative to highlight such disparities and help students determine where to get the best bang for their educational buck. This project, known as the College Scorecard, now provides 2,000 pieces of information on over 5,000 institutions. 

Each of these data points tells a story—one that often results in the American Dream being fulfilled or, at its worst, a student ending up worse off than where they began. Fortunately, the trends we glean from these data have given us a valuable fact that can work in our favor: Opportunity is not limited to one place, one institution, or even one type of postsecondary institution. And, 50 states mean 50 pockets of opportunity—accessible institutions delivering real economic opportunities exist nationwide, ready to be identified and amplified. (See the Washington Monthly’s 2025 College Guide and Rankings here.)  

California Case Study: Transparent Data, Bigger Gains

Some states are already taking this step. For example, over the past two years in California, we’ve observed a shift in the narrative among higher education leaders, who now demand better return on investment and improved economic mobility outcomes for every student. Using federal data to showcase statewide efforts has made this possible. 

The HEA Group’s and College Futures Foundation’s—two organizations that focus on postsecondary success and economic mobility—recent analyses reveal significant disparities in opportunities and outcomes across California institutions, even among those that seem similar on paper. (Note: I’m the HEA Group’s founder and president.) Some colleges launch students into careers where they can earn enough to recover their educational costs in less than a year. Others lead to low earnings and high expenses. This single choice can greatly influence students’ life paths. 

This work has also identified the institutions that provide the most economic mobility. These postsecondary options are more accessible, affordable, and show stronger post-college earnings for low- and moderate-income learners. Cal State LA, for example, enrolls 66 percent low- and moderate-income students, costs only $18,300 for a bachelor’s degree, yet shows these students earning $26,677 more than high school graduates—allowing them to recoup their costs within just 0.7 years and move from low-income backgrounds to middle-class earning potential. And there are many more that do the same.  

A new project broadens this focus on value to community and career colleges across 12 economic regions in California, ensuring that over one million students pursuing certificates and associate’s degrees have the information they need to achieve a strong return on their investment. 

The top 25 performing institutions overwhelmingly serve learners from low-income backgrounds, charge less than $5,000 annually, and show their students earning at least $10,000 more than a high school graduate within the state. These community and career colleges deliver real and rapid economic returns. 

Closing Gaps: When Colleges Undercut Economic Mobility

Through these data, institutional leaders and policymakers can also identify areas for improvement. Out of the 327 community and career colleges analyzed, 95 show the majority of former students earning less than a high school graduate with no college experience. Instead of providing economic mobility, these institutions may perpetuate socioeconomic inequality, leaving learners and the state economy worse. 

Research doesn’t do much if it’s used to scratch an intellectual itch. Such insights can be the blueprint for improving higher education in every state. 

Rural students across America—from farming communities in Iowa to mining towns in West Virginia—deserve the same opportunities to build better lives through education. A community college in rural Kentucky that efficiently prepares students for skilled trades or healthcare careers can be just as transformative as any urban institution—if we measure success by what matters most to students and their families. 

This dream becomes a reality through effective research, advocacy, and financial support. More students in more places receive more opportunities. 

Philanthropic organizations should focus on research to identify scalable practices across all states. Policymakers should prioritize funding for institutions that promote economic mobility, using data to allocate resources for maximum impact. College accreditors must make employment outcomes central to evaluations nationwide. Additionally, institutions should include these success metrics into their strategic plans. 

The Bottom Line: Economic Mobility for Every Student

Students aren’t asking for guarantees—they realize that success demands effort. Still, they deserve institutions that can show solid returns on investment and assist them in creating better lives. 

The promise of higher education can only be fulfilled by colleges in each state that provide real value. Some states and organizations have demonstrated that change is possible, and we can learn much from their leadership. The future belongs to those willing to follow their example. Our students—regardless of their background—deserve nothing less. 

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