According to the 2000 census, Utah ranks as one of the most educated states in the union.
Announced last week, the report stated that more than 87 percent of Utahns 25 or older have earned at least a high school diploma, compared with 80.4 percent nationally. When comparing residence with bachelor’s degrees, Utah’s 26 percent ranking also beat the 24 percent national average.
“This is something the state should be proud of,” said Olene Walker, Utah lieutenant governor.
During a press conference where the results were announced, Walker described the close relationship between the economy and education borrowing Gov. Mike Leavitt’s often repeated phrase that education is the economic fuel of society.
The statistics didn’t surprise Dave Pershing, U senior vice president for academic affairs. When he moved to the U in 1977, Pershing said it became apparent that Utahns value education.
“There is more encouragement here for young people to go to school than in many other states,” Pershing said.
The fact that tuition in Utah is cheaper than the surrounding states might also be a factor, Pershing said.
But along with the good news, the census also foreshadowed a potential problem the state will face.
According to the census, there are a larger number of children under the age of 18 than ever before. Within 12 years, there will be an additional 600,000 students graduating from Utah’s high schools.
“Higher education will grow dramatically in the following years,” Pershing said. “The challenge of the state will be finding the most efficient way to provide a quality education to these students at state colleges and universities.”