Nevada continues to rank near the bottom nationally for adults earning college degrees, trade certificates, and other workforce credentials, according to a new report from the Lumina Foundation.
The analysis, which draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, focuses on adults ages 25 to 64. It found that just 44.7% of Nevada adults hold a post-high school credential, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and industry-recognized trade certifications, more than 10 percentage points below the national average.
The report also shows that only 36% of Nevada workers earn at or above the national median annual salary, highlighting the connection between credentials and economic mobility.
State officials point to ongoing efforts to expand access to accredited learning. The Nevada Department of Education noted that secondary schools are increasingly offering industry-recognized credentials through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Similarly, the Washoe County School District has seen growth in CTE participation and credential attainment, with the state set at a 7% baseline, and the district more than doubling that to 17%. Furthermore, 53% of graduates from the Class of 2024 are seeking higher education.
Washoe County has expanded CTE offerings through dedicated campuses, such as the Debbie Smith Career and Technical Education Academy and the Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT), while also maintaining credential pathways at every comprehensive high school.
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