Oklahoma launched the 12-year initiative in 2011, with a goal to increase career credentials and college degrees conferred by 1,700 each year — an ambitious 67 percent spike that would bring the total to 50,900 in 2023.

The state surpassed its annual goal with an increase of 2,945 degrees and certificates in the first year and 3,577 in the second year. Figures for the third academic year will come out in October, and officials have high hopes that the momentum will continue in spite of funding challenges.

Nearly every state agency has lost state appropriations, and higher ed has been especially hard hit.

Higher education officials have warned that every dollar cut from the Complete College America program is a dollar that holds the state back. Degree and certificate completion are considered a major economic development tool.

Oklahoma’s plan has been named the national model for Complete College America, but the ambitious plan can’t ultimately succeed without more investment.

Chancellor for Higher Education Glen Johnson has said that “we’ll be a player in a new economy if we can continue on the track we’re on.”

Johnson of course is right. States with higher numbers of college graduates and residents holding career certificates generally have a more robust economy. When individuals do well, bettering themselves with education and training, an entire state does better too.