Share of College Graduates by State in United States
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the share of college graduates by state, highlighting the distribution of higher education attainment across the United States. This data reflects regional variations in educational achievement and workforce qualifications.
Which states have the highest share of college graduates?
District of Columbia – 66%
Massachusetts – 48%
Colorado – 46%
Maryland – 44%
New Jersey – 44%
Vermont – 44%
Connecticut – 43%
Virginia – 42%
New Hampshire – 41%
New York – 41%
Washington – 41%
Which states have the lowest share of college graduates?
West Virginia – 24%
Arkansas – 26%
Mississippi – 26%
Louisiana – 27%
Kentucky – 28%
Alabama – 29%
Nevada – 29%
Oklahoma – 29%
Indiana – 30%
Wyoming – 30%
Where does California rank in college graduate share?
California ranks 10th with a college graduate share of 38%, tying with Illinois, Oregon, and Utah. This reflects the state's significant higher education infrastructure and diverse workforce demands.
Which regions have the highest educational attainment?
The Northeast leads in educational attainment, with states like Massachusetts (48%), Connecticut (43%), and New York (41%) ranking highly. The District of Columbia stands out as a national leader with 66% of residents holding college degrees.
How do Southern states compare in college graduate share?
Southern states generally have lower college graduate shares. West Virginia ranks last at 24%, while states like Mississippi (26%) and Louisiana (27%) also report low attainment levels, highlighting regional disparities in higher education access and achievement.
What factors influence college graduate distribution across states?
Economic opportunities, the presence of higher education institutions, and state policies promoting education play key roles in shaping college graduate shares. States with vibrant job markets and urban centers, like the District of Columbia and Massachusetts, tend to attract and retain highly educated populations.
