Is the SREB region making progress in whether adults have at least a bachelor's degree? The percentage of adults 25 and older with at least a bachelor's degree rose from 2000 to 2008 in the region--and the percentage without declined. This trend looks like progress. Yet the number of adults without a bachelor's or higher degree increased 4 percent nationwide and 7 percent in the SREB region over the period. In some SREB states, the number without a bachelor's degree increased significantly. Both the "percentage" and "number" trends are important for policymakers. This bulletin looks at changes in the numbers and percentages of adults earning bachelor's degrees in SREB states from 2000 to 2008, as well as population growth trends that could have education implications in the region. Both progress and a paradoxical challenge are discussed.