Economists have found that each additional percentage point increase in the four-year college attainment rate increases metro per capita income by $1,250. The metro areas with the highest per capita income – such as Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. – have the highest postsecondary attainment rates. These are also the areas that are most competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining talent, bringing in new industries, and performing in a global economy.