This document addresses one important state-level approach to assessing-and increasing-the value of public higher education: the setting and publicizing of clear, numerical goals for expanding student access and success. In 2005, Jobs for the Future conducted a 50-state survey of state higher education plans to determine how many states have set numerical targets for enrollment and completion and how these goals are set, measured, and publicized to institutions, the public, and policymakers. This study asks: When it comes to improving the outcomes of their public higher education systems, do states know where they are trying to go and have they a plan for how and when they will get there? "By the Numbers" assesses whether and how fully each state's higher education strategy documents and plans embrace goal-setting as an approach to improving college access and success. It also highlights efforts in two states, Texas and Kentucky, whose comprehensive strategies provide valuable lessons for other states. Setting Numerical Goals for High Education: A 50-State Review of Plans and Initiatives is appended. (Contains 5 tables and 6 endnotes.)