U.S. Educational Attainment: An Analysis of Enrollment and Degree Completion Across Demographics (2005-2024)

The datasets presented in the three tables provide a detailed account of the educational landscape in the United States over a span of nearly two decades, from 2005 to 2024. Table DC3001 captures the percentage of the population enrolled in educational institutions by level, reflecting shifting enrollment patterns among the youth and young adult demographic. Table DC3002 shifts focus to educational attainment, revealing long-term trends in the highest level of education achieved by U.S. residents, indicative of the country’s evolving educational standards. Lastly, Table DC3003 offers a demographic deep dive, dissecting educational attainment across different racial and ethnic groups, thereby shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of educational progress and inequality. Together, these tables paint a comprehensive picture of the changing face of education in the United States, providing valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers.

The DC301 table presents the percentage of the United States population enrolled in different levels of educational institutions, ranging from Nursery-Kindergarten to Graduate level, for the years 2005 through 2024. The data demonstrates a fluctuating yet slightly declining trend in the enrollment percentages across most educational levels, particularly in Nursery-Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School levels. There is a notable increase in the ‘Not Enrolled’ category over the years, indicating a growing percentage of the population that is not participating in formal education. The population figures (in thousands) are provided for each year, showcasing a gradual increase in the total population over the two decades.

The table details the educational attainment levels of the United States population over a span of twenty years. It categorizes the population by the highest level of education achieved, including those currently enrolled, those with no schooling, and various degrees of high school and college education. The data points to an upward trajectory in the attainment of higher education degrees, with the percentages of individuals holding College Degrees and Graduate Degrees showing a steady increase. Conversely, there is a decrease in the proportion of individuals with less than a high school education, reflecting shifts towards higher educational standards.

This comprehensive table breaks down educational attainment by race and ethnicity, providing a nuanced view of the educational landscape across diverse demographic groups. It shows the percentages of different racial and ethnic groups, including White, Hispanic, Black, Asian, American Indian, Other Race, and individuals of Two or More Races, and their respective educational levels from ‘No Schooling’ to ‘Graduate Degree.’ The table highlights trends of increasing educational attainment over the years, particularly at the college level and above, while also drawing attention to persistent educational disparities among these groups.

The data sets are also available in excel format.
The file contains 4 tabs: Info tab + three tables/tabs

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