WASAC presents degree-attainment data and new statewide basic-needs survey showing majority of students report food or housing insecurity

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WASAC) told the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee on an afternoon work session that earning a postsecondary degree or credential remains a key pathway to economic mobility in Washington, while a newly released statewide survey shows more than half of respondents reported food or housing insecurity.

WASAC assistant director of external affairs Joel Anderson summarized the agency’s attainment goal and strategic action plan and said the state aims for 70% of adults ages 25–44 to hold a postsecondary degree or credential. "To meet the current and future needs of Washington's workforce, it's critical that we continue making progress toward our goal that 70% of adults ages 25 to 44 can earn a degree or credential," Anderson said.

The nut graf: WASAC presented data that links credential completion with improved economic outcomes for low‑income students while also describing barriers — especially basic‑needs insecurity — that inhibit persistence and completion. The agency described both emergency supports and systemic, preventative strategies now in pilot or practice across public and tribal institutions.

WASAC told the committee that degrees and credentials continue to yield measurable economic gains. Anderson summarized earlier agency research showing that children from the bottom 25% of families by income (about $35,000 when that report was produced) earned…