America’s Least College-Educated States

Special Report

September 17, 2022 9:00 am

Last Updated: September 17, 2022 9:18 am

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30. North Carolina
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.9%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 89.7% (17th lowest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $55,494 (25th lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $42,244 (18th lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 4.8% (25th highest)

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29. Montana
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.8%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 94.4% (4th highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $50,126 (4th lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $40,537 (9th lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 3.4% (5th lowest — tied)

24/7 Wall St.
Cities Where a College Education Pays Off the Most

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28. Georgia
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.6%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 89.0% (14th lowest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $60,454 (17th highest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $43,055 (20th lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 3.9% (15th lowest — tied)

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27. Pennsylvania
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.5%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 91.9% (19th highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $61,170 (16th highest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $47,140 (16th highest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 6.3% (6th highest — tied)

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26. Nebraska
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.4%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 92.2% (16th highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $53,663 (19th lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $44,532 (24th highest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 2.5% (the lowest)

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