Education Levels Vary Widely Among U. S. Religions

The latest national survey shows that people who follow smaller religions tend to have higher education. Hindu and Jewish Americans lead the way, with about 70 % of Hindus and 65 % of Jews holding a bachelor’s degree or more. These groups are tiny in the country, making up less than 1 % and about 1. 7 % of the population, respectively. In contrast, only 35 % of Catholics have a college degree. Evangelical Protestants lag behind with 29 %, and historically Black Protestants are at 24 %. The overall national average is 35 % of adults with a college degree. The study did not consider income, age or other factors; it simply reports the percentages.

It surveyed more than 38, 000 people in 2023 and 2024, enabling detailed breakdowns. Among evangelical groups, Global Methodist Church and Presbyterian Church in America have the highest rates at 57 %. The Assemblies of God stand out with only 19 % college graduates. Mainline Protestants show more variation. The Episcopal Church has a 67 % rate, while American Baptist Churches USA are at the low end with 13 %. Historically Black Protestant groups differ too. The National Baptist Convention USA tops the list with 24 %, whereas Church of God in Christ has only about 10 %. The survey also notes a trend: more Americans are saying they have no religious affiliation, while Christian membership is falling.

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