Rate of educational attainment in the U.S., 1940 to 2009

Published by Statista Research Department, Sep 30, 2010
This statistic shows the rate of educational attainment amongst 25 to 34 year olds in the United States each decade from 1940 to 2009. In 1940, 64 percent of 25 to 34 year olds didn't complete high school. In 2009, the share of people who didn't finish high school was down to 12 percent.

Highest level of educational attainment for 25 to 34 year olds in the United States, from 1940 to 2009

CharacteristicDidn't complete high schoolHigh school graduateSome college or associate degreeBachelor's degree or higher
2009 12% 28% 28% 32%
2000 12% 31% 28% 29%
1990 14% 41% 22% 24%
1980 15% 40% 22% 24%
1970 26% 44% 14% 16%
1960 42% 36% 11% 11%
1950 51% 34% 10% 6%
1940 64% 22% 7% 6%
Showing entries 1 to 8 (8 entries in total)
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Share of students64%64%51%51%42%42%26%26%15%15%14%14%12%12%12%12%22%22%34%34%36%36%44%44%40%40%41%41%31%31%28%28%7%7%10%10%11%11%14%14%22%22%22%22%28%28%28%28%6%6%6%6%11%11%16%16%24%24%24%24%29%29%32%32%Didn't complete high schoolHigh school graduateSome college or associate degreeBachelor's degree or higher19401950196019701980199020002009
0%25%50%75%100%125%

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Release date

September 2010

Region

United States

Survey time period

1940 to 2009

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