Educational Attainment
Definition
The highest level of education completed by an individual, typically categorized as: less than high school, high school diploma/GED, some college, bachelor's degree, or graduate/professional degree.
Why It Matters
Educational attainment is one of the strongest predictors of income, employment, health, and civic participation. Communities with higher educational attainment tend to have stronger economies and better quality of life.
How It's Measured
The ACS asks respondents aged 25+ to report the highest degree or level of school completed. Results are reported as percentages of the population at each attainment level.
Current Value
US bachelor's degree rate: approximately 33.7%
Related Ranking
View ranking →Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest level of education completed by an individual, typically categorized as: less than high school, high school diploma/GED, some college, bachelor's degree, or graduate/professional degree.
Educational attainment is one of the strongest predictors of income, employment, health, and civic participation. Communities with higher educational attainment tend to have stronger economies and better quality of life.
The ACS asks respondents aged 25+ to report the highest degree or level of school completed. Results are reported as percentages of the population at each attainment level.