In 2022, about 37.7 percent of the U.S. population who were aged 25 and above had graduated from college or another higher education institution, a slight decline from 37.9 the previous year. However, this is a significant increase from 1960, when only 7.7 percent of the U.S. population had graduated from college. Demographics Educational attainment varies by gender, location, race, and age throughout the United States. Asian-American and Pacific Islanders had the highest level of education, on average, while Massachusetts and the District of Colombia are areas home to the highest rates of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, education levels are correlated with wealth. While public education is free up until the 12th grade, the cost of university is out of reach for many Americans, making social mobility increasingly difficult. Earnings White Americans with a professional degree earned the most money on average, compared to other educational levels and races. However, regardless of educational attainment, males typically earned far more on average compared to females. Despite the decreasing wage gap over the years in the country, it remains an issue to this day. Not only is there a large wage gap between males and females, but there is also a large income gap linked to race as well.

In an impressive increase from years past, 39 percent of women in the United States had completed four years or more of college in 2022. This figure is up from 3.8 percent of women in 1940. A significant increase can also be seen in males, with 36.2 percent of the U.S. male population having completed four years or more of college in 2022, up from 5.5 percent in 1940.

4- and 2-year colleges

In the United States, college students are able to choose between attending a 2-year postsecondary program and a 4-year postsecondary program. Generally, attending a 2-year program results in an Associate’s Degree, and 4-year programs result in a Bachelor’s Degree.

Many 2-year programs are designed so that attendees can transfer to a college or university offering a 4-year program upon completing their Associate’s. Completion of a 4-year program is the generally accepted standard for entry-level positions when looking for a job.

Earnings after college

Factors such as gender, degree achieved, and the level of postsecondary education can have an impact on employment and earnings later in life. Some Bachelor’s degrees continue to attract more male students than female, particularly in STEM fields, while liberal arts degrees such as education, languages and literatures, and communication tend to see higher female attendance.

All of these factors have an impact on earnings after college, and despite nearly the same rate of attendance within the American population between males and females, men with a Bachelor’s Degree continue to have higher weekly earnings on average than their female counterparts.

Overall educational attainment measures the highest level of education attained by a given individual: for example, an individual counted in the percentage of the measured population with a master’s or professional degree can be assumed to also have a bachelor’s degree and a high school diploma, but they are not counted in the population percentages for those two categories. Overall educational attainment is the broadest education indicator available, providing information about the measured county population as a whole.

Only members of the population aged 25 and older are included in these educational attainment estimates, sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).

Champaign County has high educational attainment: over 48 percent of the county's population aged 25 or older has a bachelor's degree or graduate or professional degree as their highest level of education. In comparison, the percentage of the population aged 25 or older in the United States and Illinois with a bachelor's degree in 2023 was 21.8% (+/-0.1) and 22.8% (+/-0.2), respectively. The population aged 25 or older in the U.S. and Illinois with a graduate or professional degree in 2022, respectively, was 14.3% (+/-0.1) and 15.5% (+/-0.2).

Educational attainment data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, which are released annually.

As with any datasets that are estimates rather than exact counts, it is important to take into account the margins of error (listed in the column beside each figure) when drawing conclusions from the data.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of providing the standard 1-year data products, the Census Bureau released experimental estimates from the 1-year data in 2020. This includes a limited number of data tables for the nation, states, and the District of Columbia. The Census Bureau states that the 2020 ACS 1-year experimental tables use an experimental estimation methodology and should not be compared with other ACS data. For these reasons, and because data is not available for Champaign County, no data for 2020 is included in this Indicator.

For interested data users, the 2020 ACS 1-Year Experimental data release includes a dataset on Educational Attainment for the Population 25 Years and Over.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (16 October 2024).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (29 September 2023).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (6 October 2022).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (4 June 2021).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using data.census.gov; (4 June 2021).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (13 September 2018).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2016 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (13 September 2018). U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2015 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (19 September 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2014 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2013 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2012 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2009 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2008 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2007 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2006 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).; U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2005 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501; generated by CCRPC staff; using American FactFinder; (16 March 2016).

As of September 2023, BeReal was the platform in the United States that most attracted social media users with bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Overall, 38 percent of TikTok users had a high school degree, as did 38 percent of Snapchat users. Image-based Pinterest was the platform most used by respondents with technical and vocational education.

School age population, secondary education, both sexes (number) in United States was reported at 25052845 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for secondary education, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

School age population, last grade of primary education, female (number) in North America was reported at 2263858 Persons in 2019, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. North America - Population of the official age for the last grade of primary education, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

School age population, post-secondary non-tertiary education, male (number) in United States was reported at 2172942 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for post-secondary non-tertiary education, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

County-level educational attainment estimates for population 25 years of age and over. Estimates are accompanied by margins of error, coefficients of variation, and percentages. Geometry source: 2020 Census. Attribute source: 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, table B06009. Date of last data update: 2024-01-01 This is official RLIS data. Contact Person: Joe Gordon joe.gordon@oregonmetro.gov 503-797-1587 RLIS Metadata Viewer: https://gis.oregonmetro.gov/rlis-metadata/#/details/3836 RLIS Terms of Use: https://rlisdiscovery.oregonmetro.gov/pages/terms-of-use

School age population, post-secondary non-tertiary education, female (number) in United States was reported at 2073455 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for post-secondary non-tertiary education, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Unemployment Level - Bachelor's Degree and Higher, 20 to 24 years (CGRAU2024) from Jan 2000 to May 2025 about 20 to 24 years, tertiary schooling, education, household survey, unemployment, and USA.

According to exit polling in ten key states of the 2024 presidential election in the United States, almost two-thirds of voters who had never attended college reported voting for Donald Trump. In comparison, a similar share of voters with advanced degrees reported voting for Kamala Harris.

School age population, primary education, female (number) in North America was reported at 13408919 Persons in 2019, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. North America - Population of the official age for primary education, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

School age population, primary education, female (number) in United States was reported at 12060981 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for primary education, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

This dataset contains yearly certified enrollment for all public school districts (with physical boundaries) in Wisconsin for the 2023-2024 school year. This data is also available in the WISEdash Public Portal. This dataset is derived from publicly available files on the WISEdash Download Page. Enrollment Count is the number of students enrolled on specific dates as determined by school enrollment/exit dates that cover those dates. Percent Enrollment by Student Group is a percent of the enrollment count for all student groups combined. Reporting Disability is indicated in the pupil’s individualized education program (IEP) or individualized service plan (ISP). A person's race or ethnicity is the racial and/or ethnic group to which the person belongs or with which he or she most identifies. Ethnicity is self-reported as either Hispanic/Not Hispanic. Race is self-reported as any of the following 5 categories: Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or White. The data displayed reflects the race/ethnicity that is reported by school districts to DPI.An economically disadvantaged student is one who is identified by Direct Certification (only if participating in the National School Lunch Program) OR a member of a household that meets the income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals (less than or equal to 185 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines) under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) OR identified by an alternate mechanism, such as the alternate household income form.English Learner status is any student whose first language, or whose parents' or guardians' first language, is not English and whose level of English proficiency requires specially designed instruction, either in English or in the first language or both, in order for the student to fully benefit from classroom instruction and to be successful in attaining the state's high academic standards expected of all students at their grade level.A child is eligible for the Migrant Education Program (MEP) (and thereby eligible to receive MEP services) if the child: meets the definition of “migratory child” in section 1309(3) of the ESEA,[1] and is an “eligible child” as the term is used in section 1115(c)(1)(A) of the ESEA and 34 C.F.R. § 200.103; and has the basis for the State’s determination that the child is a “migratory child” properly recorded on the national Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Eligibility determination is made by a Wisconsin state migrant recruiter during a face-to-face family interview.

School age population, secondary education, male (number) in United States was reported at 12785585 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for secondary education, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on May of 2025.

As of 2024, 98 percent of internet users in the United States were collage graduates or had some college degree. On the contrary, 93 percent of them had a high school or less education.

School age population, tertiary education, female (number) in United States was reported at 10471827 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for tertiary education, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Online tutoring services are booming as schools, unable to meet student needs amid teacher layoffs, are leaning heavily on online tutors to help struggling students. Innovative strategies have emerged to better integrate online tutors with primary and secondary schools, but the trend away from standardized tests cut usage of exam preparation services. Still, a significant decline in test scores among elementary school students has lifted demand for tutoring services as a whole. Revenue has been surging at a CAGR of 6.9% to an estimated $1.8 billion over the five years through 2024. Revenue will expand by 3.6% in 2024 alone. As more people turned to work-from-home arrangements, many leveraged online tutoring's low barriers to entry and high demand to pick up a new "side hustle." The number of online tutors has skyrocketed over the past five years, leading to a more intense competitive environment. This surge forced tutoring services to drop their hourly rates and absorb some losses to profit. Still, video conferencing tools like Zoom and developmental leaps in AI have streamlined the online tutoring process and helped buoy profit. Online tutors will become more important to schools facing a continued teacher shortage through the next period. Outsourcing tutoring services helps curb teacher burnout and improve employee retention, making the industry a valuable asset for schools. Still, profit will continue sinking as the industry slides toward market saturation. Declining birth rates pose a long-term risk for the industry, and some online tutoring services adapt by addressing non-traditional student demographics or different geographic regions. Technological improvements in online educational platforms and the leveraging of AI in shaping lesson plans will help propel the industry's growth and improve educational outcomes for online tutoring services. Overall, revenue will climb at a CAGR of 3.3% to $2.1 billion through the end of 2029.

Competition has intensified for education consultants as new owner-operated consulting firms have taken advantage of low barriers to entry and solid demand. These smaller operations increased price-based competition, making consumers more value-conscious and dragging down education consultants' profit. Despite some headwinds, education consultants have leveraged their ability to operate remotely to provide insight for students who are becoming increasingly unsure of the choice to enroll in postsecondary education. STEM-focused consultants are outperforming competitors as economic uncertainty pushes students and young adults toward careers in burgeoning industries. Revenue has been climbing at a CAGR of 2.0% to an estimated $3.0 billion over the five years through 2024, including an expected rise of 0.9% in 2024 alone. The escalating cost and uncertain return on investment of a college degree have led many potential students to reevaluate their higher education plans. Some students are remedying these concerns by choosing affordable community colleges, but others are aiming for prestigious institutions to justify the investment. Competition for spots at Ivy Leagues and other major schools is intensifying, promoting education consultants. Education consulting agencies have seen growing demand as high-earning parents prepare their children for college at an earlier age than ever. A college degree's hefty price tag has also helped bolster demand for consultants who can help aspiring students secure scholarships and grants for students. Through 2029, mounting technological advancement across the economy will encourage consumers to return to college and learn the skills of new workplaces. Growing college enrollment will heighten demand for education consultants despite the ongoing shift among institutions toward optional standardized testing. Still, the downward trend in birth rates represents a long-term challenge, with a shrinking number of K-12 students causing a delayed downturn in the number of college students. Online test prep courses will remain a minor threat, but education consultants will leverage their in-depth, personalized services to maintain their competitive advantage. A focus on core demographics and digital flexibility will play a significant role in supporting growth moving forward. Education consultants' revenue is set to swell at a CAGR of 1.5% to an estimated $3.2 billion through the end of 2029.

School age population, upper secondary education, female (number) in United States was reported at 6181748 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Population of the official age for upper secondary education, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.