This indicator represents the percentage of the early- to mid-career population that has earned a postsecondary degree. Postsecondary degree holders include those with an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, granted from either a public or private institution. The indicator represents where postsecondary degree holders live rather than where they were educated. The age cohort of 25–44 years represents the group most likely to have completed a postsecondary program.

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 age 25–44 years 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 estimates of population. Because these values are estimates, small differences in the value of this indicator between states and across time generally are not meaningful. Estimates for states with smaller populations are generally less precise than estimates for states with larger populations.

Nationwide, the portion of this age cohort with a postsecondary degree has increased over time though continues to vary substantially across states.

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

Postsecondary Degree Holders among Individuals 25–44 Years Old

Compare indicators across states using our comparison tool

Postsecondary Degree Holders among Individuals 25–44 Years Old