Strengthening Argument with Degree Completion Data

A prominent economist asserts that increa\sing access to higher education will lead to a more skilled workforce and, consequently, a boost in economic growth.

However, some critics argue that simply granting access to education does not guarantee that students will complete their degrees or gain meaningful skills. They suggest that a lack of resources, such as funding and support services, may hinder students' ability to succeed in higher education.

To strengthen the economist's argument, which of the following statements would provide the most support?