State Reports: (Virginia, 2006)

• Strengths &
  Weaknesses
• Preparation
   
• Participation
   
• Affordability
   
• Completion
   
• Benefits
   
• Learning
   
• International
  Comparisons
• State Facts
   

PARTICIPATION

2006 Grade	Change Over Time

Virginia continues to perform well in enrolling students in higher education. This year Virginia receives a B in participation.

PARTICIPATION	VIRGINIA		Top States 2006
	1992*	2006
YOUNG ADULTS (60%)
Chance for college by age 19	38%	40%	53%
18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college	31%	34%	41%
WORKING-AGE ADULTS (40%)
25- to 49-year-olds enrolled part-time in some type of postsecondary education	4.5%	3.8%	5.1%

* The indicators report data beginning in 1992 or the closest year for which reliable data are available. See the Technical Guide for Measuring Up 2006.

GRADED INFORMATION

• The chance of Virginia high school students enrolling in college by age 19 is only fair, primarily because few graduates go on to college immediately after high school.
• Also, the percentage of working-age adults (ages 25 to 49) who are enrolled part-time in college-level education or training is only fair.

CHANGE IN GRADED MEASURES

• The chance of enrolling in college by age 19 has increased by 5%, in contrast to a nationwide decline of 2%. Although the percentage of students who graduate from high school within four years remains the same, more of those who graduate enroll in college.
• The percentage of working-age adults who are enrolled part-time in education or training beyond high school has declined by 16%, exceeding the nationwide decline of 12% on this measure.

OTHER KEY FACTS

• Among the young adult population (ages 18 to 24), the gap in college participation between whites and other ethnic groups is substantial. Currently, 40 out of 100 white young adults are enrolled in college, compared with 25 out of 100 young adults from other ethnic groups.
• Young adults (ages 18 to 24) from high-income families are about four times as likely as those from low-income families to attend college—the widest gap in the nation on this measure.
• The state’s population is projected to grow by 18% from 2005 to 2020, which exceeds the national rate of 14%. During approximately the same period, the number of high school graduates is projected to increase by 11%.
• About 12% of the adult population has less than a high school diploma or its equivalent, compared with 14% of adults nationwide.
• In Virginia, 4,665 more students are entering the state than are leaving to attend college. About 19% of Virginia high school graduates who go to college attend college out of state.