Axios San Antonio
April 09, 2026
1 big thing: Grad growth still behind
The percentage of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher is growing in the San Antonio area, but still lags national figures, recent Census Bureau data shows.
Why it matters: Having more college-educated adults can reshape the area's workforce and build economic muscle. A highly educated population can also be attractive to companies looking to relocate.
- Education is also one of the most effective ways for people to lift their lifetime earnings.
By the numbers: The share of San Antonio metro residents 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher rose from about 28% to 32% between the 2015–2019 and 2020–2024 periods.
- Nationally, it rose from about 34% to 38% in the same time periods.
- Our neighbors in Austin saw some of the biggest gains in educational attainment among the 100 largest metro areas, rising from 45% to 51%.
Between the lines: While we fall behind national figures, the rate at which the percentage of our educated residents is growing matches that of the country.
How it works: That's based on the Census Bureau's latest 5-year American Community Survey estimates.
- A city's share can increase if more residents get their degrees — or if more people with degrees move into town.
Reality check: San Antonio remains one of the nation's least educated major cities in terms of bachelor's degrees. We're one of the poorest big cities, too.
Zoom in: Local higher education leaders last month pledged to increase the area's educational attainment as part of the Momentum 2030 strategy from Greater SATX, the region's economic development nonprofit.
- The effort is focused on the percentage of the population 25 and older with an associate's degree or higher. That's currently about 41%, and the goal is to increase it to 45% by 2030.
- "Each percentage point of educational attainment represents roughly 27,000 members of our community, underscoring how transformational this shared goal can be," Sarah Carabias Rush, president and CEO of Greater SATX, said in a statement. "Talent is the number one driver of economic competitiveness."
2. Why space needs spice
NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on Artemis II, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.
The big picture: Tabasco, Sriracha, Cholula, Frank's RedHot and Heinz Hot Taco Sauce are on the rocket, according to Victoria Segovia, a public affairs specialist at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
- She says NASA doesn't endorse any of the brands, though.
- Spicy condiments aren't new in space. Wasabi, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Sriracha and Tabasco are already popular on the International Space Station, along with shrimp cocktail, which has freeze-dried shrimp and horseradish, PBS says.
How it works: Hot sauce serves practical and behavioral health functions in space, Segovia says.
- "In microgravity, astronauts often experience less acute olfactory senses due to fluid shift — similar to having a mild congestion — which can dull flavor perceptions," she tells Axios.
- "Spicy and bold" condiments help enhance taste, she says.
How they choose: The hot sauces are selected in collaboration with astronauts and NASA's food scientists at the Johnson Space Center Food Lab, she says.
- Astronauts taste-test and provide input on flavor preferences, variety and compatibility with the menu.
- Selections are also evaluated for safety, shelf stability, nutritional value and suitability for the spaceflight environment.
Zoom out: Menu items include spicy green beans, barbecued beef brisket and mango salad. See the food highlights below.
Tell us: Which hot sauce or salsa would be your must-have in space?
- Hit reply and let us know. Bonus points if it's San Antonio-made.
- We may feature your response in a future newsletter.
3. Inside the Loop
Axios San Antonio
