What does this indicator measure?

This indicator is a measure of those who attained a Bachelor’s degree or better in 2009.  The measure is presented for the Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA’s), and the core cities of each MSA.  Additionally, the results are presented for the United States, 100 Largest Metro Areas aggregate, and All Metro Areas aggregate.

With the productive baby boom generation nearing and entering retirement, concerns arise regarding the skill level of the generation of workers taking their place.  Anecdotally, some of the severest shortfalls seem to be opening in the manufacturing and trade sectors, as fewer young people have ventured to acquire the vocational skills that propelled an earlier generation into the middle class.  Here, we only consider the college-educated.–explanation courtesy of the Brookings Institute