Part II: Economic Benefits of Postsecondary Credentials. Incremental Earnings and Revenues Upon Drive to 55 Achievement

Author: Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, Department of Economic and Community Development, Center for Economic Research in Tennessee, William F. Fox, Lawrence M. Kessler

Publication Date: May 1, 2016

This report expands on our previous analysis by using forecasts of the share of higher educational attainment growth needed in each county for Tennessee as a whole to reach the Drive to 55 goal in 2025. Assuming the attainment goals are met, the analysis projects the additional income to workers living in each county. The economic value of postsecondary education within the state of Tennessee is seen in both higher earning potential for county residents and higher tax revenues for state and local governments. Achieving increased educational attainment levels in Tennessee counties is vital to preparing a region’s workforce for future employer demands.