Feb 25, 2026 - News

Our bachelor's bump

Alex Fitzpatrick,
Jacque Schrag,
Kim Bojórquez

A chart showing the change in the share of population over 25 that has attained a bachelor's degree or higher by metro area from 2015-2019 to 2020-2024. Overall, there's been a 3.6% increase in degree holders. The largest increases have been in Durham, N.C. (8.1%), New Haven, Conn. (7%) and Austin (6.1%). In the Salt Lake City metro area, there's been an increase from 35% to 38.4%. — Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Chart: Jacque Schrag/Axios

The share of Utahns ages 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher rose from about 35% to 38% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods, according to new census data.

The big picture: A given metro's share can increase if more residents get their degrees, or if more people with degrees move into town.

How it works: The data is based on the Census Bureau's latest 5-year American Community Survey estimates.

By the numbers: The share of Americans with a bachelor's degree or more rose from about 34% to 38% during that time period.

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Our bachelor's bump

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