WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Study after study has shown that adults who attend college earn far more over their lifetime than do those who possess only a high school diploma. Individually, there is a direct correlation between the level of education a person has obtained and quality of life factors. We also know that higher paying jobs are attracted to communities with an educated workforce. Volunteerism and community involvement increase in educated communities, while crime decreases. Both individually and collectively, everyone benefits from higher education.

Currently, of adults 25 years of age or older, 13.3% hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Lancaster, 20.8% do in all of Fairfield County, 21%  in all of Ohio, and 24%  in the United States. The U.S. is now ranked 12th out of 36 developed nations in regards to the percentage of adults holding a Bachelor’s degree. Also, many surrounding counties in Ohio outshine our performance. Franklin County is at 31%, and Delaware County is at 41%.

Given the access to higher education available in our vicinity, Fairfield County College Bound believes that our Lancaster and Fairfield County percentages should be much higher. Increasing the number of residents who have some level of higher education attainment is why FCCB exists. Our plan is to increase these numbers through our access program in the coming years.