The number of critical skills degrees and certificates awarded in Michigan per capita has increased by over 33% since 2005. However, the level of degrees awarded is still 8% lower than the “Top Ten” average in 2015. Michigan also came in 6th among its peers in terms of level of critical skills degrees and certificates awarded.
What It Is: Total critical skills degrees and certificates conferred divided by the working age population (ages 20 through 64, inclusive)
Why It Matters: These degrees especially prepare students for high-skilled occupations, particularly in the STEM fields, which are the types of jobs Michigan expects to increase in the future.
Note: Higher education institutions include all public and private degree-granting institutions. Differences in this year’s data reflect revisions as a result of newer data being collected.