Educational Attainment of the U.S. Population

Educational attainment measures the highest credential earned by an individual at a specific point in time (e.g., a given year). Between 2002 and 2022, overall educational attainment for the U.S. population ages 25 and older increased as more of the population enrolled in and completed some level of postsecondary education.

Educational Attainment of Adults Ages 25 and Older: 2002 and 2022

Report Links

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education: 2024 Status Report
Chapter One: Population Trends and Educational Attainment

Chapter One Report Download (PDF) 812 KB
Chapter One Data Tables Download (XLSX) 144 KB

Source

U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2002 and 2022

Note:
In 2002, the only reported racial demographic categories were Hispanic, White, Black, American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut, and Asian or Pacific Islander.

Data for for the following should be interpreted with caution. Ratio of standard error to estimate is >30 percent but <50 percent.

  • American Indian or Alaska Native, Doctoral Degree, 2002

  • American Indian or Alaska Native, Doctoral Degree, 2022

  • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Doctoral Degree, 2022

  • More than one race, Professional Degree, 2022

Data for the following should be interpreted with caution. Ratio of standard error is >50 percent.

  • American Indian or Alaska Native, Professional Degree, 2002

  • American Indian or Alaska Native, Professional Degree, 2022

  • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Professional Degree, 2022