Having a bachelor’s degree remains an important advantage in many sectors of the U.S. labor market. College graduates generally out-earn those who have not attended college, and they are more likely to be employed in the first place. At the same time, many Americans say they cannot afford to get a four-year degree – or that they just don’t want to.
Here are key facts about American college graduates.
How we did this
This Pew Research Center analysis about U.S. college graduates relies on data from sources including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Student Clearinghouse and the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as surveys conducted by the Center.
Everyone who took the Pew Research Center surveys cited is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more aboutthe ATP’s methodology.
Nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, a share that has grown over the last decade. As of 2021, 37.9% of adults in this age group held a bachelor’s degree, including 14.3% who also obtained a graduate or professional degree, according to data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. That share is up 7.5 percentage points from 30.4% in 2011.
An additional 10.5% had an associate degree in 2021. About four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older had a high school diploma with no further education (25.3%) or completed some college but didn’t have a degree (14.9%).
In a reversal, women are now more likely than men to graduate from college, according to the Current Population Survey. In 2021, 39% of women ages 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or more education, compared with 37% of men in the same age range. The gap in college completion is even wider among adults ages 25 to 34: 46% of women in this age group have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 36% of men.
In an October 2021 Pew Research Center survey of Americans without a degree, 34% of men said a major reason why they have not received a four-year college degree is that they just didn’t want to. Only one-in-four women said the same. Men were also more likely to say a major reason they didn’t have a four-year degree is that they didn’t need more education for the job or career they wanted (26% of men said this vs. 20% of women).
Women (44%) were more likely than men (39%) to say not being able to afford college was a major reason they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Men and women were about equally likely to say a major impediment was needing to work to help support their family.
There are racial and ethnic differences in college graduation patterns, as well as in the reasons for not completing a degree. Among adults ages 25 and older, 61% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or more education, along with 42% of White adults, 28% of Black adults and 21% of Hispanic adults, according to 2021 Current Population Survey data. The share of bachelor’s degree holders in each group has increased since 2010. That year, 52% of Asian Americans had a four-year degree or more, compared with a third of White adults, 20% of Black adults and 14% of Hispanic adults.
The October 2021 Center survey found that among adults without a bachelor’s degree, Hispanic adults (52%) were more likely than those who are White (39%) or Black (41%) to say a major reason they didn’t graduate from a four-year college is that they couldn’t afford it. Hispanic and Black adults were more likely than their White counterparts to say needing to work to support their family was a major reason.
While a third of White adults said not wanting to go to school was a major reason they didn’t complete a four-year degree, smaller shares of Black (22%) and Hispanic (23%) adults said the same. White adults were also more likely to cite not needing more education for the job or career they wanted. (There weren’t enough Asian adults without a bachelor’s degree in the sample to analyze separately.)
Only 62% of students who start a degree or certificate program finish their programwithin six years, according to the most recent data fromtheNational Student Clearinghouse, a nonprofit verification and research organization that tracked first-time college students who enrolled in fall 2015 with the intent of pursuing a degree or certificate. The degree completion rate for this group was highest among students who started at four-year, private, nonprofit schools (78.3%), and lowest among those who started at two-year public institutions (42.2%).
Business is the most commonly held bachelor’s degree, followed by health professions.According to theNational Center for Education Statistics, abouta fifth (19%) of the roughly 2 millionbachelor’s degrees conferred in 2019-20 were in business. Health professions and related programs were the second most-popular field, making up 12.6% of degrees conferred that year. Business has been the single most common major since 1980-81; before that, education led the way.
Theleastcommon bachelor’s degrees in 2019-20 were in military technologies and applied sciences (1,156 degrees conferred in 2019-20), library science (118), and precision production (39).
There is a growing earnings gap between young college graduates and their counterparts without degrees. In 2021, full-time workers ages 22 to 27 who held a bachelor’s degree, but no further education, made a median annual wage of $52,000, compared with $30,000 for full-time workers of the same age with a high school diploma and no degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gap has widened over time. Young bachelor’s degree holders earned a median annual wage of $48,481 in 1990, compared with $35,257 for full-time workers ages 22 to 27 with a high school diploma.
The unemployment rate is lower for college graduates than for workers without a bachelor’s degree, and that gap widened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., only 1.9% of college graduates ages 25 and older were unemployed, compared with 3.1% of workers who completed some college but not a four-year degree, and 3.7% of workers with only a high school diploma. By June 2020, after the pandemic hit, 6.8% of college grads, 10.8% of workers with some college, and 12.2% of high school grads were unemployed.
By March 2022, the unemployment rate had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels for college graduates (2%) while dropping to 3% among those with some college education but no four-year degree, and 4% among those with only a high school diploma.
Recent college graduates are more likely than graduates overall to be underemployed – that is, working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and BLS data by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. As of December 2021, 41% of college graduates ages 22 to 27 were underemployed, compared with 34% among all college graduates. The underemployment rates for recent college grads rose in 2020 as the COVID-19 outbreak strained the job market, but have since returned to pre-pandemic levels.
As of the end of 2021, only 34% of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 worked what the Fed defines as “good non-college jobs” – those paying at least $45,000 a year – down from aroundhalf in the 1990s. The share of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 in low-wage jobs – those earning less than $25,000 annually – rose from about 9% in 1990 to 11% last year.
When it comes to income and wealth accumulation, first-generation college graduates lag substantially behind those with college-educated parents, according to a May 2021 Pew Research Center analysis. Households headed by a first-generation college graduate – that is, someone who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree but does not have a parent with a college degree – had a median annual income of $99,600 in 2019, compared with $135,800 for households headed by those with at least one parent who graduated from college. The median wealth of households headed by first-generation college graduates ($152,000) also trailed that of households headed by someone with a parent who graduated from college ($244,500). The higher household income of the latter facilitates saving and wealth accumulation.
The gap also reflects differences in how individuals finance their education. Second-generation college graduates tend to come frommore affluent families,while first-generation college graduates are more likely to incur education debt than those with a college-educated parent.
Most Americans with college degrees see value in their experience. In the Center’s October 2021 survey, majorities of graduates said their college education was extremely or very useful when it came to helping them grow personally and intellectually (79%), opening doors to job opportunities (70%) and developing specific skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace (65%).
Younger college graduates were less likely than older ones to see value in their college education. For example, only a third of college graduates younger than 50 said their college experience was extremely useful in helping them develop skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace. Among college graduates ages 50 and older, 45% said this.
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Katherine Schaefferis a research analyst at Pew Research Center.
The six-year graduation rate for students of public universities and colleges is 69%. The percentage of females who graduate in four years is 51%. 36% of male Millennials have at least a bachelor's degree. 32.9% of college students drop out before they obtain an undergraduate degree.
The six-year graduation rate for students of public universities and colleges is 69%. The percentage of females who graduate in four years is 51%. 36% of male Millennials have at least a bachelor's degree. 32.9% of college students drop out before they obtain an undergraduate degree.
The evidence that a college degree significantly improves one's employment prospects and earnings potential is overwhelming. Bachelor's degree holders are half as likely to be unemployed as their peers who only have a high school degree and they make $1.2 million in additional earnings on average over their lifetime.
487,890 college students graduate annually in California; 20.5% of them earn advanced degrees. 170,890 or 35% of all annual college graduates in California earn associate's degrees. 216,810 or 44.4% of California annual college graduates earn bachelor's degrees.
College is important for many reasons, including increased career stability and satisfaction, and the ability to make an impact on your community. With more and more careers requiring advanced education, a college degree can be critical to your success in today's workforce.
A study done by CollegeBoard found that four-year college graduates reported the highest levels of satisfaction in their job, when compared to others with less academic experience.
College graduation can represent an attainment of the American Dream, the culmination of years of hard work for the student, and the payoff for sacrifices made by supporting parents and friends.
An alumnus or alumna is a former student and most often a graduate of an educational institution (school, college, university). According to the United States Department of Education, the term alumnae is used in conjunction with either women's colleges or a female group of students.
Asian Americans had the highest educational attainment of any race, followed by whites who had a higher percentage of high school graduates but a lower percentage of college graduates. Persons identifying as Hispanic or Latino, without regard to race, had the lowest educational attainment.
The word “college” comes from the Latin “collegium” which means community or society. Source. Nearly 5,000 colleges and universities exist in the country. Together they grant more than 2 million degrees per year.
The U.S. Department of Education estimates that individuals who earn a bachelor's degree will make 84 percent more money in their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. The long-term effects of your short-term investment last a lifetime!
The number of college students nearly doubled in the 1940s, from 1.5 million in 1940 to 2.7 million in 1950, as veterans swelled the ranks. The “magic carpet to the Middle Class,” as the GI Bill was called, permanently linked higher education and the American Dream. A college degree was now the ticket to a better life.
Your graduation ceremony will become a key part of your own timeline; a symbol of change, progression and moving on to new adventures. Take this moment and make it one for the ages, for your personal highlights reel!
A graduation ceremony is not just a mere formality, but a celebration of their academic accomplishments and a testament to their grit and determination. It is an opportunity for students to reflect on their journey and the challenges they have overcome to get to this point.
A college degree opens up more opportunities, even in fields that aren't in your major. Improve Discipline and Develop Strong Character. Obtaining a degree takes discipline and a will to succeed. By getting your degree, you overcome procrastination and learn to do what it takes to reach your goal.
Through volunteer work, leadership, and philanthropic contributions, public university graduates enrich the civic and economic life of their communities. They also contribute more in taxes and are less reliant on government services than their peers whose highest degree is a high school diploma.
More educated people are less likely to be unemployed and less likely to live in poverty. These economic returns make financing a college education a good investment.
According to the study, by 2018, American adults with a bachelor's degree could expect to live another 48.2 years out of a possible 50, compared with 45.1 years for those without a college degree.
A study of college graduates found that uncertainties about the future can cause significant, sometimes paralyzing, distress and anxiety. That feeling of “Now what?” can stop you in your tracks. The stress of finding and securing a job in your chosen career field can weigh heavily.
After graduating, I want to develop the skills that will help me accomplish the success I've always wanted to accomplish. I will work as hard as I can, and I will do what it takes to get there. I am going to approach everything in life with a positive attitude and a lot of excitement.
“Student success means getting good grades, passing my classes, and graduating” “Achieving the grades that a student describes as being acceptable. Being in good shape after you. graduate to continue on and become what you want to be”
Doctoral Degrees. A doctorate represents the highest degree you can get in academia. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can get. Professional doctorates train you for a professional career.
About half of students worry that they don't have the ability to complete their coursework. Others get unexpected bad grades, and they fear that they'll invest a good deal of money in a degree program in which they can't succeed.
When it comes to graduation day, you can expect the ceremony to last about 90-120 minutes. Most universities have about three to four ceremonies to get through in a day. As a result, ceremonial staff do their best to keep organized and start on time.
This research emphasizes that the successful dropout entrepreneur is not a pervasive phenomenon. So, what percentage of college dropouts are successful? Based on these numbers, the college dropout success rate is only at around 6%.
For many years, the conversation about equity in higher education has focused on the serious gaps in access for black and Hispanic people. Awareness has also been growing that getting into college is not enough; black and Hispanic students are also much less likely to graduate.
Black college students have lower six-year completion rates for any type of degree or certificate program than any other racial or ethnic group because of racial discrimination, the high cost of higher education and a multitude of external responsibilities, according to a new Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2023 State of ...
The 150 percent graduation rate was highest for Asian students (36 percent), followed by Pacific Islander students (34 percent), White students (32 percent), Hispanic students (30 percent), American Indian/Alaska Native students (27 percent), students of Two or more races (25 percent), and Black students (23 percent).
Good grades, a challenging high school curriculum, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and a strong essay are a few key factors admissions officers assess. Each university may emphasize different elements of the application process.
Students bounce back and forth to class, dining hall, dorm, meetings, library, sports, etc. all day long. They may get up early and stay up late to get it all done. It takes some getting used to, but busy as they are, most college students come to appreciate the freedom they have to manage their own time.
You've gotten to take classes that are more relevant to what you want to do with your life - and this has contributed to you getting to know yourself better. Embrace this new self-awareness and make a commitment to develop it further as you go along!
One of the most compelling reasons to attend college is to earn more money. Over a lifetime, a higher salary can add up to millions more dollars in the bank. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those with bachelor's degrees earned a median of $1,305 a week, while high school graduates earned $781.
Investing in college has historically yielded significant benefits, including greater career opportunities, higher earning potential and a better quality of life for millions of Americans. The data has also reinforced the value of a college education, both financially and otherwise.
Roughly 42 percent of students graduate from public four-year schools without student debt, and 78 percent graduate with less than $30,000 in debt. In the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 2 million bachelor's degrees were awarded in the U.S.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with higher levels of education “typically earn more and have lower rates of unemployment compared with workers who have less education.” Over a lifetime, reports show that college graduates will make 84 percent more than those with a high school diploma.
Your qualification is your proof to yourself and to the world that you know how to do the work and see things through to the end. This is great when it comes to stepping into your career. That little piece of paper is proof that you have what it takes.
College graduation can represent an attainment of the American Dream, the culmination of years of hard work for the student, and the payoff for sacrifices made by supporting parents and friends.
What percentage of people drop out of college? Around 40% of undergraduate students leave universities and colleges every year (Education Data Initiative [EDI], 2021).
Looking at graduation rates can assist you in getting a sense of the quality of the college. These metrics give you insight into not just how many students are enrolling at that college, but also how many are finishing their degrees in a timely manner.
In fact, Harvard takes the number-one spot with a whopping 97% graduation rate. Now, you might be wondering how nearly every student is graduating from Harvard.
Get an entry-level job. The best option after college graduation may be to take an entry-level position to gain skills and experience. Even if the job isn't in your field or something you're passionate about, a real-world, full-time job can help you build your resume.
Commencement refers to the ceremony, officiated by the provost of the university, where you share the excitement and importance of your academic accomplishments with peers, family, and friends.
Whether the student in your life is finishing middle school, high school, or college, money is a common gift for graduates for a reason. They can use it for anything from books to travel to transportation.
After graduating, I want to develop the skills that will help me accomplish the success I've always wanted to accomplish. I will work as hard as I can, and I will do what it takes to get there. I am going to approach everything in life with a positive attitude and a lot of excitement.
Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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