Educational Attainment
Educational attainment is a term used to describe the highest level of education that an individual has completed. It is typically measured by the highest degree or diploma that a person has earned, such as a high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate. Educational attainment is an important indicator of an individual’s economic and social status, as well as their potential for future success.
History of Educational Attainment
The concept of educational attainment has been around for centuries, but it has become increasingly important in recent decades. In the United States, the first standardized measure of educational attainment was the U.S. Census Bureau’s 1940 Census, which asked respondents to report their highest level of education completed. Since then, educational attainment has been used to measure the educational progress of individuals and populations, as well as to inform policy decisions.
Comparison of Educational Attainment
| Level of Education | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 87.3% |
| Associate’s Degree | 12.7% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 33.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 11.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.4% |
Summary
Educational attainment is an important indicator of an individual’s economic and social status, as well as their potential for future success. It is typically measured by the highest degree or diploma that a person has earned, such as a high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate. For more information on educational attainment, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s website or the National Center for Education Statistics website.
See Also
- Educational Level
- Educational Achievement
- Educational Performance
- Educational Outcomes
- Educational Quality
- Educational Equity
- Educational Opportunity
- Educational Access
- Educational Disadvantage
- Educational Inequality
