Feb 25, 2026 - News
We're getting more degrees
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The share of Americans 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher rose from about 34% to 38% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods, according to new census data.
Zoom in: In Northwest Arkansas, the rate increased from 32.7% to 35.9%.
- 📈 The biggest gains among the 100 largest metro areas: Durham, N.C. (53%, up from 45%); New Haven, Conn. (42%, up from 35%); and Austin, Texas (51%, up from 45%).
- Springfield, Mass., was the only metro with a decrease, dropping from about 33% to 29%.
📊 How it works: That's based on the Census Bureau's latest 5-year American Community Survey estimates.
- 🚚 A given metro's share can increase if more residents get their degrees, or if more people with degrees move into town.