The College Futures Foundation has released a comprehensive report highlighting California's push to achieve 70% postsecondary attainment by 2035, while revealing 
Currently, just 56% of California adults aged 25-64 hold a postsecondary degree or credential, according to the February 2025 report. While this rate has steadily increased and matches national averages, it falls well short of the state's aspirations, particularly for underserved communities.
The data shows stark disparities in educational attainment among recent high school graduates. Over half of Asian students and nearly 40% of white students earn a college degree within eight years of high school graduation, while less than 20% of low-income, Black, or Latinx students reach the same milestone. These gaps persist across California's entire higher education system, from community colleges to the University of California.
Among first-time students at California Community Colleges, only 17% earn a degree or certificate or transfer to a four-year college within four years. The California State University system shows better results, with 62% of students completing bachelor's degrees within six years, while the University of California leads with an 86% completion rate.
“Improving college attainment and increasing economic mobility among California adults—especially those who have been underserved by the current education systems—demands intentional effort in multiple areas,” the report noted. The foundation emphasizes the need to focus on both recent high school graduates and adult learners returning to education.
The report identifies several key strategies to improve attainment rates, including:
· Auditing administrative practices and policies to remove obstacles for first-generation college students
