How Many People Had a College Degree Every Year Since 1971

Special Report

May 20, 2021 5:00 pm

Source: Courtesy of BU Photography / Boston University

1981
> Adults 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree: 21.3%
> Tuition, fees, room and board: $2,870
> Tuition, fees, room and board, adj. for inflation: $8,120
> Adult population: 132,899,000

Source: David Herman / Getty Images

1982
> Adults 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree: 21.7%
> Tuition, fees, room and board: $3,200
> Tuition, fees, room and board, adj. for inflation: $8,500
> Adult population: 135,526,000

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1983
> Adults 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree: 22.5%
> Tuition, fees, room and board: $3,430
> Tuition, fees, room and board, adj. for inflation: $8,900
> Adult population: 138,020,000

Source: Steve Powell / Getty Images

1984
> Adults 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree: 21.9%
> Tuition, fees, room and board: $3,680
> Tuition, fees, room and board, adj. for inflation: $9,160
> Adult population: 140,794,000

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1985
> Adults 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree: 22.2%
> Tuition, fees, room and board: $3,860
> Tuition, fees, room and board, adj. for inflation: $9,280
> Adult population: 143,524,000

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