Data are collected by VSAC. This collection only runs every other year. They were not collected during SFY20 as a result of COVID-19. The aspiration rate is defined as the percentage of students who report that they plan to continue their studies or training in the fall after graduating high school. The aspiration rate has been consistent, 
hovering at about 75% since the Class of 2008. 

However, the Class of 2022 aspiration rate declined significantly from 2018, the last time VSAC conducted the survey and prior to the pandemic. While the state average for the Class of 2022 was 70%, among first generation students (those whose parents had not attained at least a Bachelor's Degree) the aspiration rate was 58% and among second generation students (those who at least one parent attained at least a Bachelor's Degree) was at 82%.

VSAC most recently published data for SFY22 in the summer of 2023. Every two years VSAC conducts a survey of all high school seniors. The purpose of the survey is to gather information about seniors’ post-high school plans, to determine what proportion of the class planned to pursue further education or training in the fall and to consider changes in aspiration over time.