It was a lofty goal: Double the number of Michigan residents with a higher education within a decade.

But nearly five years after Gov. Jennifer Granholm's call to educate the work force to a more prosperous economy, Michigan's rate has merely inched forward.

The number of degrees and certificates awarded in Michigan increased just 4.4 percent over four years, according to data compiled by The Detroit News.

So will the state make its goal by 2015?

"No," said John Austin, vice president of the Michigan State Board of Education. "Is it the right goal and target to drive a lot of policy, behavior and institutional change? Absolutely."

While progress has been slow, Michigan has made substantial strides in implementing strategies -- namely a high school curriculum overhaul -- that is expected to markedly increase the number of residents with a degree over the next decade, state leaders say.

"I think we will have double the number of people coming out the pipeline who will have credentials that are meaningful in today's economy," said Chuck Wilbur, senior advisor for education to Granholm.

The changes were spurred by the Cherry Commission, which Granholm formed in 2004 to find ways to double the number of college graduates. Spearheaded by Lt. Gov. John Cherry, the commission's landmark report identified ways Michigan could reach that goal by 2015. Such outgrowths include the 21st Century Jobs Fund economic development initiative, the Return to Learn campaign to encourage adults to finish their degrees and Promise Zones to help communities establish college scholarships.