This indicator represents the percentage of the early- to mid-career population that has earned at least a high school credential. The indicator displays results based on where high school graduates live rather than where they were educated. Both foreign-educated and U.S.-educated individuals living in a state are included in the state total. High values indicate a resident population and potential workforce with widespread basic education credentials.

Estimates of educational attainment have been developed by the U.S. Census Bureau. Data are derived from the American Community Survey (ACS), the largest household survey in the United States, with a sample size of about 3.5 million addresses. The ACS collects information on an annual basis.

Estimates of the population aged 25–44 are provided by the Census Bureau based on the 2000 and 2010 Decennial Censuses and are reported by the state of residence. Each year, the Census Bureau utilizes current data on births, deaths, and migration to calculate population change since the most recent decennial census and produces time series of estimates of population. Estimates for states with smaller populations are generally less precise than estimates for states with larger populations.

Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, special tabulations of the American Community Survey; U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010 Decennial Censuses and Population Estimates Program.

Science & Engineering State Indicators

Individuals with High School or Higher Level Degree among 25–44-Year-Old Population

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Individuals with High School or Higher Level Degree among 25–44-Year-Old Population