Over the last few decades, the demand and popularity of college and college degrees have increased tremendously all over the globe. Thus, substantial growth has been observed in the number of Americans who hold a college degree. Let us know ‘What Percentage of The U.S Has A College Degree?’.
What Percentage of The U.S Has A College Degree?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent report, nearly 94 million Americans, aged 25 and over, own a bachelor’s, associate’s, graduate, or professional degree. These citizens make up a total of 42% of the U.S. population in that age demographic. When this report was first generated in the year 1940, it was recorded that only 5% of adults, who fell in the age range of 25 years and more, had a bachelor’s or higher degree. Another census that was performed in 2011 recorded that the total percentage of adults who had earned a college degree accounted for 36% of the population. The percentage of adults who hold a college degree has increased up to 5% in recent years.
Though the number of Americans who hold a degree has increased in the last 70 years, a slump is expected to occur in the future because of two major reasons: the lesser number of enrolments at postsecondary institutions, and the sudden financial instability caused by the COVID pandemic.
Educational Attainment in the U.S. Per State
As already mentioned above, out of nearly 225 million U.S. adults, a total of 94 million hold some type of college degree. Below, we have mentioned the U.S. states with the highest and the lowest educational attainment in 2019:
Highest: Columbia, Massachusetts, and Colorado
Lowest: West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi
The U.S. states of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Colorado had reflected the highest percentage of adults (aged 25 years or more) with college degrees. All three states had reflected a total percentage of 50% of its adults owning a bachelor’s, professional, graduate, or associate degree. These states also had the highest employment rate in the United States. Out of the three, Columbia had the highest employment rate with about 71% of its population (aged 16 years or plus) employed in the labor force.
On the other hand, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi reflected the lowest percentage of adults who had a college degree. Each state reflected a total of only one-third of its adult population holding a degree in higher education. Simultaneously, these states also had the lowest employment rates. Each state reflected a total of 60% (or sometimes even less) employment rate.
Education Attainment Based on Race/Ethnicity
According to current records, there are high disparities in the percentage of college-degree holding adults (aged 25 years or more) among racial various racial and ethnic groups in the United States of America. According to a 2019 census, white Americans hold most adults who have earned a college degree (nearly three-quarters). After them, Black, Asian, Latino/Latina, and Native American individuals hold a total of the remaining 30% of the adult population (aged 25 years and more) with a college degree.
This disparity in educational attainment between different races/ethnicities of the United States is concerning since they have a direct impact on financial opportunities for people of color residing in the United States of America.
Benefits of Getting a degree
Below, we have mentioned a few reasons why students should aim for pursuing higher education, no matter what their field of interest is:
-Increased access to job opportunities
-Increased marketability
-Preparation for a specific career
-Economic stability
-Increased earning potential
-Networking opportunities
-Personal growth and Self development
Benefits of Getting a Degree from the US
Students will be subjected to a wide variety of benefits if they decide to pursue their higher education from the United States of America. Some of these benefits are mentioned below:
-US is the home to several universities that are recognized for their academic excellence across the globe.
-Students studying in the US will also witness and interact with a wide umbrella of individuals and cultures.
-Graduate students will also have access to a wide job market.
-International students will have access to a range of different job opportunities.
-United States universities are known for having a unique campus life which will further enhance the student’s personality.
Conclusion
According to the U.S Census Bureau’s most recent report, nearly 94 million Americans, aged 25 and over, own a bachelor’s, associate’s, graduate, or professional degree. These citizens make up a total of 42% of the U.S population in that age demographic. When this report was first generated in the year 1940, it was recorded that only 5% of adults, who fell in the age range of 25 years and more, had a bachelor’s or higher degree. White Americans hold most adults who have earned a college degree (nearly three-quarters). After them, Black, Asian, Latino/Latina, and Native American individuals hold a total of the remaining 30% of the adult population (aged 25 years and more) with a college degree.
We have also discussed the advantages of obtaining a degree in the article above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question1) What is educational attainment in the U.S. based on gender?
Answer) In the United States, women have accounted for most college degree holders in adults aged 25 years or more, based on a 2019 census. Women also hold the upper hand in the total percentage of college-educated employees across various sectors in the United States.
Question2) What is the link between educational attainment and employment?
Answer) Increased education is a key to opening a wide number of employment opportunities, regardless of the work field. In addition to this, individuals who own a college degree are more likely to get better wages. Based on authentic research, the median weekly salary of an adult who has a bachelor’s degree is a whopping 67% higher in comparison to the salary of an adult with a high school diploma. Thus, adults are advised to keep higher education in important light when planning their future. Higher educational qualifications are a direct link to a more secure career.
