Idaho is still struggling to hit its “60 percent goal,” but Boise State University is meeting benchmarks designed to support the state goal.
A record 3,140 Boise State students received bachelor’s degrees in 2016-17, exceeding a State Board of Education benchmark of 2,986.
Idaho wants to see 60 percent of its 25- to 34-year-olds hold a college degree or a professional certificate. When the State Board launched the 60 percent push in 2010, the board also set graduation benchmarks for Boise State. The university has set its graduation benchmarks every year since 2010.
“Everyone at Boise State should be proud of these results, which show how a public university can achieve great outcomes with focus and determination,” President Bob Kustra said in a news release Wednesday.
Idaho has struggled since 2010 to make progress toward the 60 percent goal. In 2015, only 42 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds held a degree or certificate. As a result, the state has abandoned its 2020 target date for hitting the goal, and now hopes to hit the milestone in 2025.
More reading: Link to “Life After High School: Options And Outcomes for Idaho Graduates,” our in-depth series looking at Idaho’s struggles to meet the “60 percent goal.”
