The U.S. Census Bureau has published new data on educational attainment in the United States, focusing on adults age 18 and older. The data comes from the 2024 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, which is conducted by the Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to the report, in 2024, 42.8% of people ages 25 to 39 held a bachelor’s degree or higher. Among those aged 40 to 54, the figure was 41.5%, while for those aged 55 and older it was 34.2%. The survey also found that among adults age 25 and older, women were more likely than men to have earned at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.1% compared with 37.1%.
Employment statistics showed that among employed workers in 2024, nearly half (49.3%) had completed high school or an associate degree as their highest level of education, while another 44.5% had attained a bachelor’s degree or higher. About 6.1% did not have a high school diploma or equivalent.
The survey also examined education levels across different occupations and industries. In professional and related occupations, 76.5% of workers held at least a bachelor’s degree, while in management, business, and financial roles this share was 64.2%. Installation, maintenance, and repair had the largest proportion of workers with only a high school diploma or associate degree at 78.3%. In terms of industry sectors, transportation and utilities led with the highest percentage of workers whose highest credential was a high school diploma or associate degree (67.5%). By contrast, information (64.9%) and education and health services (61.2%) industries had the greatest shares of employees with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
All comparative statements released have been statistically tested at the ten percent significance level.
The Current Population Survey remains the main source for national labor force statistics.
