Career outcomes are improving for most college graduates, but many still face barriers to affordable, accessible programs, according to Strada Education Foundation’s 2025 State Opportunity Index.
The index measures how effectively each state connects education to career opportunity across five areas: outcomes, coaching, affordability, work-based learning and employer alignment.
“Education and employment systems that are connected, transparent and mutually supportive benefit everyone, including learners and regional economies,” the report states.
Strada projects that 70% of recent public college graduates will earn a positive return within 10 years. However, results vary widely—from just 53% in the lowest-performing states to 82% in the highest.
State progress and persistent gaps
Many states have advanced since last year’s inaugural index, according to the report. Thirty-seven states now hold Advanced or Leading ratings for using career outcomes data—up from 22 in 2024. Leading states include Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Still, affordability remains a major challenge. Community colleges continue to provide affordable access, but only Florida achieves a top rating for affordability among four-year institutions.
Forty-five states hold Leading or Advanced ratings for two-year affordability, but four-year costs remain out of reach for many students.
Building stronger education-to-career pathways
Students benefit most from early and frequent career guidance. Yet few students encounter labor market information—such as job opportunities and earnings—soon enough to make informed decisions.
To strengthen education-to-career pathways and close opportunity gaps, Strada recommends that campus leaders use the following strategies:
- Start career coaching early with advisers who use real labor market data.
- Expand work-based learning through internships, apprenticeships and employer partnerships.
- Align programs with workforce needs to prepare graduates for in-demand jobs.
- Use data to guide decisions and help students plan their futures.
- Collaborate with employers and state agencies to keep programs relevant.
- Keep college affordable by expanding need-based aid, improving transfer pathways and reducing student costs to broaden access to opportunity.
- Lead with integrity, ensuring programs connect learning and work while maintaining academic quality.
“While meaningful progress has been made since the inaugural 2024 report, the 2025 findings show that too many individuals are still struggling to see the way ahead to an affordable education and meaningful career, while too many good jobs are still going unfilled,” the report states.
By sharing ideas and collaborating across states, leaders can learn from one another’s progress and accelerate improvement.
As states strengthen the link between education and employment, higher education leaders must help every student—not just some—find a clear path to meaningful, well-paying careers.
