Training and Careers
COUNTING HEADS -
High School Graduation Projections
In 2008, a national record of 3.2 million will be set for the size of the high school graduating class. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, this increase will level off and drop by 3 million in 2012. In the Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon and Idaho will all see increases of over this period.
 
State/Class Year 1995-96 1999-00 2007-08 2011-12 Percent Increase
Washington 47,727 57,086 66,408 64,821 +36%
Oregon 28,583 33,148 37,037 36,127 +26%
Idaho 15,139 17,178 17,367 18,523 +22%
National 2,542,547 2,840,170 3,200,506 3,045,628 +26%

What do these numbers represent for the prospective job markets and higher education. In comparison to the baby boom generation, where 1977 saw a peak of 3.1 million graduates, major differences exist in the job markets. Today, only 30% of entry-level jobs are available to students with just a high school diploma. That number was much higher in 1977. The competition for these jobs could be severe, pushing a higher percentage of students to enter higher education. Students can prepare for this in advance by high school courses that ready them for college admission. Students who can establish ties to future employers may be rewarded. Opportunities for summer internships or part-time employment while still in school, could be very rewarding. Employers will be able to pick the best and brightest so students must take advantage of possible connections prior to graduation. Careers in growth industries, always a good idea, will become even more advantageous.

In higher education, community and technical colleges may see the greatest increases in enrollment as students seek one and two year training programs to gain employment opportunities. Competitive colleges will become more difficult to enter as greater numbers of students seek admission. Federal and state increases to college financial aid are unlikely to keep pace with the increase in eligible applicants. Private scholarship growth may help if a strong economy continues to encourage new programs. Families who depend on financial aid being available may find that loans become the dominant part of aid packages. Today, loans make up over 70% of federal financial aid.

 
Education Levels of Adults in the Pacific Northwest
  8th grade or less high school no diploma high school diploma some college nor degree associate degree bachelor's degree graduate degree
Washington
5.5%
10.7%
27.9%
25.0%
7.9%
15.9%
7.0%
Oregon
6.2
12.3
28.9
25.0
6.9
13.6
7.0
Idaho
7.4
12.9
30.4
24.2
 7.5
 12.4
5.3