Age distribution among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are ages…
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Educational distribution
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
High school or less
50%
30%
13%
7%
193
Some college
51%
31%
11%
6%
240
College
31%
46%
14%
9%
382
Post-graduate degree
14%
46%
23%
17%
267
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are…
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Educational distribution
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
High school or less
44%
11%
25%
15%
4%
1%
193
Some college
37%
24%
22%
14%
3%
< 1%
240
College
17%
26%
34%
18%
4%
1%
382
Post-graduate degree
2%
24%
34%
29%
10%
1%
267
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are…
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Educational distribution
Men
Women
Sample size
High school or less
73%
27%
194
Some college
67%
33%
240
College
66%
34%
387
Post-graduate degree
64%
36%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who identify as…
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Educational distribution
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
High school or less
69%
4%
9%
15%
3%
192
Some college
77%
2%
7%
11%
2%
239
College
84%
3%
4%
7%
2%
383
Post-graduate degree
87%
2%
6%
3%
1%
272
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are…
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Educational distribution
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
High school or less
12%
15%
74%
193
Some college
11%
18%
72%
238
College
13%
10%
76%
384
Post-graduate degree
16%
8%
76%
270
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who have a household income of…
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Educational distribution
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
High school or less
37%
25%
24%
14%
162
Some college
31%
14%
31%
24%
223
College
13%
18%
33%
36%
366
Post-graduate degree
8%
13%
24%
56%
257
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are…
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Educational distribution
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
High school or less
28%
5%
8%
2%
58%
193
Some college
27%
15%
11%
2%
45%
240
College
42%
17%
9%
1%
31%
385
Post-graduate degree
58%
13%
9%
2%
17%
274
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are…
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Educational distribution
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
High school or less
18%
82%
194
Some college
18%
82%
240
College
25%
75%
387
Post-graduate degree
28%
72%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say religion is…
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Educational distribution
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
1%
5%
13%
80%
< 1%
194
Some college
2%
4%
8%
85%
< 1%
240
College
3%
5%
11%
81%
1%
387
Post-graduate degree
1%
5%
11%
84%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who attend religious services…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
1%
9%
91%
< 1%
194
Some college
1%
10%
90%
< 1%
240
College
1%
10%
88%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
1%
13%
85%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who pray…
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Educational distribution
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
2%
1%
< 1%
97%
< 1%
194
Some college
1%
< 1%
1%
98%
< 1%
240
College
2%
1%
1%
96%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
1%
< 1%
1%
97%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who attend prayer group…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
1%
< 1%
3%
96%
< 1%
194
Some college
1%
1%
1%
97%
< 1%
240
College
1%
< 1%
1%
97%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
< 1%
< 1%
1%
99%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who meditate…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
16%
4%
5%
75%
< 1%
194
Some college
16%
12%
4%
68%
< 1%
240
College
20%
9%
6%
65%
1%
387
Post-graduate degree
25%
7%
7%
61%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
31%
8%
7%
51%
4%
194
Some college
25%
15%
6%
53%
1%
240
College
38%
17%
8%
35%
2%
387
Post-graduate degree
33%
15%
14%
37%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
45%
16%
11%
28%
1%
194
Some college
61%
14%
8%
16%
2%
240
College
56%
17%
12%
15%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
49%
20%
17%
13%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Educational distribution
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
1%
13%
57%
26%
2%
194
Some college
< 1%
24%
44%
31%
1%
240
College
1%
23%
38%
37%
2%
387
Post-graduate degree
1%
27%
34%
36%
2%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say…
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Educational distribution
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
21%
79%
< 1%
< 1%
194
Some college
13%
86%
1%
1%
240
College
16%
84%
< 1%
1%
387
Post-graduate degree
13%
86%
1%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who read scripture…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
4%
4%
3%
89%
< 1%
194
Some college
2%
2%
5%
91%
< 1%
240
College
2%
5%
6%
87%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
2%
2%
5%
91%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say the holy scripture is…
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Educational distribution
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
1%
3%
< 1%
94%
2%
194
Some college
< 1%
1%
< 1%
98%
1%
240
College
< 1%
1%
< 1%
96%
3%
387
Post-graduate degree
< 1%
< 1%
< 1%
97%
2%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who …in heaven
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Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
9%
87%
4%
194
Some college
4%
96%
< 1%
240
College
3%
96%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
1%
98%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who …in hell
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Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
6%
91%
3%
194
Some college
3%
95%
1%
240
College
2%
97%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
< 1%
99%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who identify as…
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Educational distribution
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
High school or less
22%
28%
49%
194
Some college
15%
14%
71%
240
College
9%
14%
77%
387
Post-graduate degree
10%
7%
83%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who are…
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Educational distribution
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
16%
37%
36%
10%
194
Some college
10%
31%
57%
2%
240
College
7%
25%
65%
3%
387
Post-graduate degree
5%
19%
74%
2%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who would rather have…
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Educational distribution
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
54%
41%
3%
3%
194
Some college
45%
47%
6%
2%
240
College
29%
64%
3%
4%
387
Post-graduate degree
29%
65%
3%
3%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say government aid to the poor…
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Educational distribution
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
34%
63%
1%
1%
194
Some college
22%
75%
4%
< 1%
240
College
18%
79%
2%
1%
387
Post-graduate degree
13%
81%
4%
2%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say abortion should be…
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Educational distribution
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
74%
22%
4%
194
Some college
90%
8%
2%
240
College
93%
5%
2%
387
Post-graduate degree
92%
6%
2%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say homosexuality…
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Educational distribution
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
88%
7%
2%
3%
194
Some college
97%
2%
1%
< 1%
240
College
96%
3%
1%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
97%
2%
1%
< 1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
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Educational distribution
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
83%
9%
8%
194
Some college
96%
2%
2%
240
College
95%
4%
1%
387
Post-graduate degree
97%
3%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say…
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Educational distribution
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
34%
60%
4%
2%
194
Some college
16%
80%
2%
2%
240
College
11%
88%
1%
1%
387
Post-graduate degree
5%
91%
2%
2%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among atheists by educational group
% of atheists who say humans…
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Educational distribution
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
81%
6%
4%
9%
1%
194
Some college
93%
1%
1%
5%
< 1%
240
College
95%
1%
< 1%
4%
< 1%
387
Post-graduate degree
97%
1%
< 1%
1%
1%
275
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.