The number of adults with bachelor’s degrees in Mississippi has increased slightly since 2000, but education officials agree the state needs to do more to entice residents to go to college.

The Southern Regional Education Board recently released its 2009 “Fact Book on Higher Education,” which said that college costs are going up in the 16 SREB states at a time when graduation rates need to improve.

In particular, SREB officials would like to see key demographic groups pursue education degrees.

“SREB states face a major challenge in helping more students finish college degrees,” board president Dave Spence said. “College is less affordable for most families, and we must help more students complete degrees if our states are to continue to prosper and grow.”

In 2007, 19 percent of adults ages 25 and older in Mississippi had an advanced degree, up from 17 percent in 2000. That is a number that Hank Bounds, the newly hired state commissioner of higher education, wants to change.

“We all know that in these tough economic times, a more educated citizenry should be of the highest priority,” he said last month when he was hired. “As commissioner, I will continue to focus on building a more seamless and accessible system from pre-kindergarten through advanced degrees.”

As the economy has worsened, universities and community colleges have seen a spike in enrollment by people who want to earn their degree or learn new job skills.

The state College Board voted last month to keep resident tuition the same; however, the board agreed to raise non-resident and professional tuition, as well as room and board.

The SREB region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Posted at www.sunherald.com on July 5, 2009