The percentage of American adults with a four-year college degree has continued to increase in recent years, growing from less than 10% in much of the 1960s to 33.1% in 2019. Americans with college degrees not only tend to earn higher incomes than those without, but they also typically have longer and healthier lives.
Though the bachelor’s degree attainment rate is increasing nationwide, there is still a large variation in the share of college-educated adults in parts of the country. In a handful of states, over 40% of all adults 25 and older have graduated from college. In others, fewer than one-quarter hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
To determine America’s most and least educated states, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed one-year estimates of the percentage of adults 25 years and over with at least a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.
States with the highest educational attainment rates tend to be in the Northeast. Meanwhile, the states that are home to the smallest share of college-educated adults are disproportionately concentrated in the South.
Click here to see the most and least educated states.
Click here to read our detailed methodology.
50. West Virginia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 21.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,440 (4th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,304 (4th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 5.1% (the highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% (13th highest — tied)
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49. Mississippi
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 22.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $32,574 (the lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $44,148 (2nd lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 5.1% (the highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9% (2nd highest — tied)
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48. Arkansas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 23.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,215 (2nd lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,964 (6th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.5% (22nd lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% (13th lowest — tied)
47. Louisiana
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 25.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,599 (9th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,699 (17th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.8% (4th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% (22nd highest — tied)
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46. Kentucky
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 25.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,674 (11th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,711 (18th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% (13th lowest — tied)
45. Nevada
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 25.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $39,505 (16th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,293 (13th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.1% (9th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9% (2nd highest — tied)
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44. Oklahoma
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 26.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $38,088 (13th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,828 (11th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.6% (25th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.8% (17th lowest)
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43. Alabama
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 26.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,217 (8th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,643 (16th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.1% (9th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% (18th lowest — tied)
42. Indiana
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 26.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $39,833 (18th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,630 (14th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.3% (20th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% (11th lowest — tied)
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41. New Mexico
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 27.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,284 (3rd lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,109 (3rd lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 5.0% (3rd highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.6% (6th highest — tied)
40. Tennessee
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 28.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,610 (10th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,633 (15th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.8% (14th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.2% (19th highest — tied)
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39. Idaho
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 28.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,445 (6th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,364 (5th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.7% (10th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% (13th highest — tied)
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38. Wyoming
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,800 (25th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,962 (12th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.3% (5th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% (22nd highest — tied)
37. Ohio
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,586 (23rd lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $53,680 (18th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% (18th lowest — tied)
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36. Iowa
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,268 (23rd highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,751 (25th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.8% (12th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.4% (5th lowest — tied)
35. South Carolina
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,727 (12th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,734 (19th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% (22nd lowest — tied)
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34. South Dakota
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $38,646 (15th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,630 (9th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.2% (3rd lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% (2nd lowest)
33. Michigan
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,450 (22nd lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $54,634 (17th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.2% (7th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% (13th highest — tied)
32. Arizona
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $39,956 (19th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $52,077 (24th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.0% (12th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.7% (5th highest)
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31. Alaska
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,809 (6th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $53,033 (20th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.7% (5th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% (13th lowest — tied)
30. Missouri
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,078 (20th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,217 (22nd lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.0% (16th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.5% (8th lowest — tied)
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29. North Dakota
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $43,865 (16th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,854 (25th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.0% (the lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.6% (the lowest)
28. Florida
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,021 (5th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,810 (10th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% (10th highest — tied)
27. Texas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,895 (25th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $56,853 (14th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.5% (22nd lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.5% (8th highest — tied)
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26. Wisconsin
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 31.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $42,222 (19th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $52,425 (22nd highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.6% (9th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.4% (5th lowest — tied)
25. North Carolina
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 32.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $38,534 (14th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,977 (21st lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.6% (25th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.2% (19th highest — tied)
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24. Pennsylvania
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 32.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $42,229 (18th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $55,326 (16th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% (22nd lowest — tied)
23. Georgia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 32.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,312 (21st lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $53,662 (19th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.8% (14th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% (13th highest — tied)
22. Maine
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $39,550 (17th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,375 (8th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.7% (10th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.3% (3rd lowest — tied)
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21. Delaware
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $43,164 (17th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $56,603 (15th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.2% (19th highest — tied)
20. Nebraska
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,488 (22nd highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,779 (20th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.2% (3rd lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.3% (3rd lowest — tied)
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19. Montana
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,953 (7th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,150 (the lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.1% (17th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% (22nd highest — tied)
18. Hawaii
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $44,557 (15th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $52,183 (23rd highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.8% (12th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% (13th lowest — tied)
17. Kansas
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,181 (24th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,678 (24th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.8% (12th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.5% (8th lowest — tied)
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16. Oregon
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,774 (24th lowest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $52,498 (21st highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.9% (13th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% (13th highest — tied)
15. Utah
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,679 (20th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,611 (23rd lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.1% (2nd lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.5% (8th lowest — tied)
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14. Rhode Island
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,060 (12th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $57,398 (13th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.9% (15th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% (18th lowest — tied)
13. California
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 35.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $45,095 (13th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $65,078 (4th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.2% (7th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.0% (the highest)
12. Illinois
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 35.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $45,015 (14th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,357 (10th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.1% (9th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% (13th highest — tied)
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11. Washington
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $48,567 (5th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $62,447 (7th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% (10th highest — tied)
10. Minnesota
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,050 (9th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,316 (11th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.5% (6th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.4% (5th lowest — tied)
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9. New Hampshire
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,392 (8th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,544 (9th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.5% (6th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% (18th lowest — tied)
8. New York
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,645 (7th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $62,699 (6th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.7% (17th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.5% (8th highest — tied)
7. Vermont
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 38.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,496 (21st highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,170 (7th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 2.5% (6th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% (11th lowest — tied)
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6. Virginia
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,873 (11th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $61,529 (8th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.2% (19th lowest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% (22nd lowest — tied)
5. Connecticut
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $50,788 (4th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $64,143 (5th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 4.4% (6th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.6% (6th highest — tied)
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4. Maryland
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $52,011 (2nd highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $65,193 (3rd highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.6% (25th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% (10th highest — tied)
3. New Jersey
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $51,786 (3rd highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $67,038 (the highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.8% (14th highest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.8% (4th highest)
2. Colorado
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 42.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,887 (10th highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $58,229 (12th highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.1% (17th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% (22nd highest — tied)
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1. Massachusetts
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 45.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $52,470 (the highest)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $65,373 (2nd highest)
> Estimated unemployment rate 2015-2019, all workers: 3.3% (20th lowest — tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% (22nd highest — tied)
Methodology
To determine America’s most and least educated states, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed one-year estimates of the percentage of adults 25 years and over with at least a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.
Additional information on the median earnings of adults 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree, median earnings of adults 25 and over with all levels of educational attainment, unemployment rates for the 25-64-year-old population that have at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment rates for the 25-64-year-old population for all educational attainment levels.
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