The average cost of a college education in the United States is $35,720 a year — three times higher than it was two decades ago. Surging prices have led to unprecedented student debt levels totaling more than $1.7 trillion and may partially explain why college enrollment rates have fallen by nearly 2% a year since 2010. (This is the most expensive college in every state.)
Nonetheless, while a college education may not be for everyone, it remains a valuable asset that can offer better access to career opportunities, improve job security, and increase earning potential. Nationwide, an estimated 33.1% of American adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Educational attainment rates vary considerably across the country, however, and in some major metropolitan areas, the share of adults with a bachelor’s degree is well above the national average.Â
Using education data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 24/7 Wall St. identified the most educated metro areas in the United States. In several of the metro areas on this list, over half of the adult population have at least a bachelor’s degree. (Here is a list of how many people have had a college degree every year since 1971.)
Many of the metro areas on this list, such as Boston, New York, and San Francisco, are economic hubs with major industries that have been attracting college-educated professionals for decades. Others, such as Ithaca, New York; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Charlottesville, Virginia, are home to major research universities. These areas have large graduate school populations and often a concentration of employers seeking graduates for high-skill jobs.Â
The average weekly wage for a college-educated worker in the United States is about 67% higher than it is for those with no more than a high school diploma. Additionally, college-educated Americans are less than half as likely to be unemployed as those who only finished high school. In most metro areas on this list, the typical household earns more than the national median household income of $65,712, and most have a lower five-year average unemployment rate than the comparable 4.5% national figure.
Click here to see the most educated metro areas in the country
Click to see our detailed methodology
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50. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,373 — 32nd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $61,965 — 24th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.1% — 244th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.5% — 260th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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49. Wilmington, NC
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $37,602 — 215th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,553 — 276th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.1% — 164th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 129th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
48. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $50,013 — 20th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,854 — 38th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.1% — 119th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 232nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: frankix / Getty Images
47. Flagstaff, AZ
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $38,699 — 195th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,903 — 334th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.5% — 374th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.5% — 24th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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46. Lincoln, NE
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,399 — 121st highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $48,749 — 237th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.3% — 84th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% — 72nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
45. Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $51,884 — 10th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $65,819 — 12th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.0% — 233rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.5% — 117th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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44. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,395 — 44th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $62,806 — 18th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.7% — 305th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.5% — 344th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
43. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $44,330 — 66th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $58,156 — 57th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.4% — 174th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% — 244th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
42. Santa Fe, NM
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $34,213 — 326th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,063 — 289th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.1% — 198th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.9% — 305th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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41. Huntsville, AL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $44,672 — 63rd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $56,140 — 80th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.1% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.4% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
40. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,345 — 46th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,441 — 43rd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.6% — 187th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.2% — 222nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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39. Fargo, ND-MN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $44,479 — 65th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $53,135 — 119th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 1.7% — 18th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.5% — 24th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
38. Provo-Orem, UT
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $42,321 — 86th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,756 — 182nd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.1% — 74th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% — 152nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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37. Bloomington, IN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,758 — 248th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $37,279 — 377th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.1% — 187th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.8% — 39th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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36. Rochester, MN
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $49,141 — 25th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $60,808 — 39th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 1.8% — 11th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.0% — 52nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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35. Auburn-Opelika, AL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $40,537 — 150th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $42,033 — 346th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.6% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% — 72nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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34. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $51,631 — 11th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $68,433 — 9th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.8% — 211th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.7% — 287th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
33. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $52,468 — 9th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $63,782 — 17th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.6% — 198th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 232nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: Sean Pavone / Getty Images
32. Portland-South Portland, ME
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 42.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $43,783 — 71st highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $52,212 — 130th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.4% — 43rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.2% — 72nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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31. Athens-Clarke County, GA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 42.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $35,364 — 307th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $40,951 — 364th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.1% — 251st lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.0% — 52nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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30. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 43.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $50,921 — 15th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $62,590 — 21st highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.5% — 50th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 129th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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29. State College, PA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 43.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,638 — 110th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,842 — 271st highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.7% — 64th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.3% — 84th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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28. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 43.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $45,945 — 48th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $65,443 — 14th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.1% — 174th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.8% — 164th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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27. Columbia, MO
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,496 — 114th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $47,440 — 252nd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.7% — 149th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.2% — 10th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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26. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $55,442 — 8th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $70,458 — 7th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.2% — 119th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 232nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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25. Missoula, MT
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $36,935 — 238th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $37,523 — 376th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.7% — 251st lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% — 244th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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24. Champaign-Urbana, IL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,265 — 124th highest of 384 metros (tied)
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $45,296 — 311th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.2% — 264th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% — 194th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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23. Trenton-Princeton, NJ
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.5%
> Median earnings, all workers: $51,410 — 13th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $66,587 — 10th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.8% — 290th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% — 244th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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22. Ames, IA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,425 — 119th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,743 — 183rd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 1.9% — 149th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.7% — 152nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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21. Burlington-South Burlington, VT
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $48,264 — 28th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,715 — 146th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.6% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.5% — 117th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: f11photo / Getty Images
20. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 45.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $50,992 — 14th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $63,807 — 16th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.8% — 64th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% — 179th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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19. Bloomington, IL
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 45.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,426 — 31st highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $55,386 — 94th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.1% — 33rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.1% — 63rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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18. Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 46.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $47,319 — 34th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $59,540 — 54th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 119th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% — 194th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
17. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 46.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,827 — 102nd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,078 — 167th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.8% — 37th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 232nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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16. Lawrence, KS
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 47.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,294 — 123rd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $46,222 — 283rd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.9% — 224th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 129th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
15. Barnstable Town, MA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 47.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,841 — 39th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,594 — 186th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.9% — 50th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.7% — 287th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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14. Raleigh-Cary, NC
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 48.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $48,018 — 30th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $62,009 — 23rd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 149th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.3% — 232nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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13. Madison, WI
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 48.6%
> Median earnings, all workers: $49,988 — 22nd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $56,609 — 73rd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 1.7% — 8th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.0% — 52nd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: harmantasdc / Getty Images
12. Iowa City, IA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 48.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $43,690 — 72nd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $50,799 — 179th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.3% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.1% — 63rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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11. Fort Collins, CO
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 49.0%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,348 — 45th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $51,327 — 161st highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 84th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.9% — 179th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
10. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 49.1%
> Median earnings, all workers: $55,628 — 7th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $71,493 — 6th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 4.3% — 280th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 3.3% — 336th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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9. Charlottesville, VA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 49.2%
> Median earnings, all workers: $46,462 — 43rd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $57,940 — 58th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.0% — 84th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.9% — 48th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
8. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 49.3%
> Median earnings, all workers: $57,095 — 4th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $70,034 — 8th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.2% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.0% — 194th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: stellalevi / Getty Images
7. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 51.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $63,703 — 2nd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $81,628 — 2nd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.3% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.7% — 287th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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6. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 51.4%
> Median earnings, all workers: $60,742 — 3rd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $72,305 — 4th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.2% — 149th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.1% — 205th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: SpVVK / Getty Images
5. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 52.7%
> Median earnings, all workers: $67,332 — 1st highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $88,470 — 1st highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.2% — 100th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.6% — 277th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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4. Ann Arbor, MI
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 55.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $50,444 — 18th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $56,316 — 79th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.3% — 43rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 1.6% — 129th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Source: benedek / Getty Images
3. Ithaca, NY
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 56.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $41,304 — 122nd highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $34,485 — 381st highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 3.9% — 43rd lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% — 244th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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2. Corvallis, OR
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 57.9%
> Median earnings, all workers: $42,203 — 91st highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $44,131 — 325th highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 1.5% — 64th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 0.9% — 48th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
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1. Boulder, CO
> Adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 64.8%
> Median earnings, all workers: $51,446 — 12th highest of 384 metros
> Median earnings, bachelor’s degree holders: $57,394 — 62nd highest of 384 metros
> Estimated unemployment rate, all workers: 2.5% — 95th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
> Estimated unemployment rate, adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 2.4% — 244th lowest of 384 metros (tied)
Methodology
To determine America’s most educated metro areas, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed one-year estimates of the percentage of adults 25 years and over with at least a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.
We used the 384 metropolitan statistical areas as delineated by the United States Office of Management and Budget and used by the Census Bureau as our definition of metros.Â
All 384 metros were ranked by their bachelor’s degree or higher attainment rate. Since many metros cross state lines, the metro was assigned to the state of its first-listed principal city.Â
Additional information on the median earnings for adults 25 and over with earnings that hold a bachelor’s degree, median earnings for adults 25 and over with earnings for all levels of educational attainment, unemployment rates for the 25-64 year old population that have at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment rates for the 25-64 year old population for all educational attainment levels are also one-year estimates from the 2019 ACS.
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