The Austin Chamber of Commerce released its new Regional Education Outcomes Report at our annual State of Talent & Education event. This report tracks 10 key indicators that measure progress across the education continuum—offering a cradle-to-career framework that helps our region understand how well we are preparing students for success in both life and the workforce.

As our Vice Chair of Education and Workforce, Geronimo Rodriguez, shared during the event, “Data can be used in many ways which can lead to contradictory views and sometimes inaction. That is why we have collaborated with E3 Alliance to identify 10 key indicators that show how Central Texas students are progressing throughout the continuum from cradle to career. These indicators align with the priorities of the Chamber and spotlight some of the great work happening in our region.”

Why This Matters

Education is the foundation of economic mobility—and ultimately, of our region’s continued prosperity. When students succeed, businesses thrive. The Austin Chamber is committed to working with our partners to ensure that Central Texas develops a robust talent pipeline, prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow.

By making this education data visible, clear, and actionable, we empower business leaders, educators, policymakers, and community partners to take collective responsibility for improving student outcomes.

The 10 Key Indicators

We worked with E3 Alliance, who has been a leader in education data for nearly two decades, to identify 10 key indicators across three stages of a student’s educational journey:

Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive view of how well our education system supports students from their earliest years through college and into meaningful careers.

At our State of Talent & Education event, Richard Tagle, President & Executive Director of E3 Alliance, emphasized the critical link between education and economic prosperity, noting:

"Economic vibrancy has always been and will always be connected to the quality of public education. The business sector will always need an educated, skilled, and credentialed workforce delivered at scale by our institution of public education. The stronger the alignment between the skills and credentials businesses require and the sound, quality education our public schools provide, the more everyone benefits. In fact, our public schools aren't just a workforce pipeline. It's our pipeline for informed voters, conscientious and charitable residents, and for building a collective required to lift our communities."

Postsecondary Completion

Central Texas is making strong progress toward Texas’ goal of having all Texans aged 18–65 earn a “credential of value” by 2030. A "credential of value" is a postsecondary degree or certificate that provides measurable returns in the labor market, like higher wages and better career opportunities.

Our region already boasts a 58% postsecondary completion rate for students coming out of high school—most earning traditional bachelor’s degrees. Now, our focus must shift to expanding access to other credentials of value and reducing barriers that cause students to fall off before completion.

Degree Persistence Gaps

The data also reveals a troubling gap in degree persistence. Only 14% of low-income students who enroll in a two- or four-year postsecondary program complete a degree within six years. By contrast, 41% of non–low-income students complete their degree or program, while only 37% of low-income students even enroll.

Call to Action: These students need more support. Expanding access to dual credit, OnRamps, P-TECH, and Early College High Schools can make a transformative difference. Legislation like HB 120, which increases funding for P-TECH and allows counselors to support students up to two years post-graduation, helps students navigate complex postsecondary systems more effectively.

Dual Credit Momentum

In Central Texas, 77% of students are taking at least one college-credit-bearing course before graduation. According to the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), these students are 32–56% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education.

Each additional credit earned increases a student’s likelihood of college enrollment—and reduces overall costs and time to degree completion. SB 1191—which standardizes the weighting of all college-credit-bearing courses (AP, IB, OnRamps, and dual credit)—will further strengthen this pipeline by encouraging more students to take advantage of these opportunities.

Education is everyone’s business. The Austin Chamber is committed to using this data to drive results, align community partners, and strengthen our region’s talent pipeline. Our goal is simple: ensure that every student in Central Texas can access a high-quality education that prepares them with the skills to be successful in their career.

The Regional Education Outcomes Report is more than a snapshot—it’s a roadmap for action. Together, we can use this data to guide decisions, close opportunity gaps, and build a stronger future.