’)In-depth look into the educational characteristics of the U.S. since 1940.
Educational Attainment: U.S. Education from 1940-2008
President Obama stated that he wants every individual to get some level of higher education: either one year of college (or more) or vocational training. A review of educational trends from 1940-2008 supports the assumption that more and more Americans are attending college.
Educational trends have changed since your grandparents attended school. In fact, since 1940, the United States has become a more highly educated society overall. Across the board, both males and females are earning more college degrees and non-traditional students seem to be making up for lost time, earning degrees well into their adult years.
Educational Trends for Males
It’s not surprising to note that as technology has taken a stronghold in society, more men are seeking college degrees. In 1940, about one-quarter of U.S. males completed four years of high school, with the majority of males quitting school before attaining their high school diploma. In 2008, a little more than 10 percent of U.S. males had less than a high school diploma. In 1940, approximately five percent of men completed four years of college. By 2008, that number had risen to approximately 30 percent.
Educational Trends for Females
In 1940, slightly more than 25 percent of females in the U.S. completed high school, with a little less than 75 percent dropping out of school before graduation. Approximately 3 percent of women had a bachelor’s degree in 1940. However, by 2007, the number of women who had earned bachelor’s degrees peaked at approximately 30 percent. That number dropped to slightly more than 25 percent the following year.
Educational Characteristics of the Adult Population
In 2008, 398,000 men and 427,000 women had less than a high school education. Those numbers account for a very small percentage of the total overall population in the United States. 34,048,000 men and 35,432,000 women have earned a high school diploma.
The numbers of adults attending college has increased since 1940. 20,735,000 men and 23,433,000 women have some college but fewer have bachelor’s degrees. Men account for 19,102,000 of all degree holders while women have a slight edge with 20,968,000 bachelor’s degrees.
To view the ethnic makeup of these demographics, see the pie charts above to compare the number of Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and black men and women included in the data.
Current Education Levels by Age Group
The data is consistent with the growing trend to earn a college degree. Here is a breakdown of the numbers by age group:
Over 65 Years: The population in this age group shows the least number of college graduates. Less than half of the individuals in this group have any formal college education.
55-64 Years: The individuals in this group that pursued some form of higher education account for more than half. The numbers of individuals who completed at least some college compared to those who completed a college degree appear to be about even.
45-54 Years: Surprisingly, this group looks very similar to the 55-64 age group, with more than half completing some college or finishing a degree program. The numbers reflect about an even split between the two groups.
35-44 Years: Not quite two-thirds of the adult population has attended college in this group, with a very small percentage having no higher education whatsoever.
25-34 Years: This group looks strikingly similar to the 35-44 age group. See the pie charts above to compare the differences. In this group, however, the number of individuals with no level of higher education is barely visible on the chart.
Trends for the Future
Experts disagree about whether the increasing numbers of college students are good for the economy. The November 8, 2009 issue of The Chronicle Review, asks this question: “Are too many students going to college?” in an article by the same name. Nine higher-education experts were asked to respond to this question, as well as other questions relating to college attendance and the effect it has on our economy.
In essence, even experts have a difference of opinion about whether everyone should have the opportunity to go to college. Some think that increased college attendance is a drain on our economy while others purport that everyone who has the desire to go to college should have the opportunity to do so.
If the history of educational attainment is any reflection of the future, it seems that we can expect the numbers of individuals who go to college to increase. Because enrollment in two-year colleges tends to increase with the rising numbers of unemployed individuals, it’s safe to assume that more people are taking advantage of higher education to secure job prospects for the future.
