America’s Least College-Educated States

Special Report

September 17, 2022 9:00 am

Last Updated: September 17, 2022 9:18 am

IMG_6136-5x7 (CC BY-SA 2.0) by John Brian McCarthy

20. North Dakota
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.7%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 93.6% (6th highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $54,510 (21st lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $46,025 (19th highest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 3.7% (12th lowest)

Source: tomofbluesprings / iStock via Getty Images

19. Missouri
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.7%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 91.6% (22nd highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $53,855 (20th lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $42,084 (16th lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 4.4% (21st lowest)

ALSO READ: The 30 Best College Majors for a Successful Career

Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images

18. Michigan
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.7%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 92.0% (17th highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $59,740 (19th highest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $43,495 (21st lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 5.9% (10th highest)

Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images

17. South Dakota
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.7%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 93.1% (12th highest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $51,375 (11th lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $42,204 (17th lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 3.1% (3rd lowest)

Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

16. South Carolina
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher: 31.5%
> Adults with a high school diploma or higher: 89.6% (16th lowest)
> Median earnings among bachelor’s degree holders: $51,257 (10th lowest)
> Median earnings, all adults: $40,974 (12th lowest)
> 2021 unemployment rate: 4.0% (17th lowest — tied)

Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.