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 college graduates by religious group
% of college graduates who …in heaven
Chart
Table
Share
Religious tradition
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Catholic
84%
11%
5%
1,788
Evangelical Protestant
84%
7%
9%
1,870
Historically Black Protestant
94%
5%
1%
289
Jewish
31%
57%
12%
294
Mainline Protestant
74%
17%
9%
1,673
Mormon
95%
2%
3%
212
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")
21%
70%
9%
2,071
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.
Age distribution among college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are ages…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
Believe
17%
41%
27%
14%
5,356
Don't believe
24%
38%
23%
14%
2,521
Other/don't know
16%
36%
29%
19%
724
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
Believe
7%
18%
33%
32%
9%
1%
5,356
Don't believe
10%
23%
29%
28%
8%
1%
2,521
Other/don't know
6%
15%
30%
35%
13%
1%
724
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Men
Women
Sample size
Believe
44%
56%
5,491
Don't believe
55%
45%
2,551
Other/don't know
50%
50%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
Believe
72%
10%
6%
9%
3%
5,414
Don't believe
78%
4%
7%
7%
3%
2,512
Other/don't know
80%
4%
5%
7%
3%
733
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
Believe
13%
10%
77%
5,458
Don't believe
14%
13%
73%
2,539
Other/don't know
11%
8%
81%
744
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who have a household income of…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
Believe
14%
18%
37%
32%
4,848
Don't believe
14%
17%
34%
35%
2,330
Other/don't know
14%
18%
33%
34%
620
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
Believe
62%
5%
10%
4%
19%
5,467
Don't believe
51%
11%
9%
3%
25%
2,539
Other/don't know
64%
6%
8%
4%
18%
739
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
Believe
35%
65%
5,474
Don't believe
26%
74%
2,547
Other/don't know
32%
68%
750
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 God among college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say they…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
Believe
77%
19%
3%
< 1%
1%
1%
5,491
Don't believe
18%
19%
13%
1%
44%
5%
2,551
Other/don't know
48%
27%
9%
1%
4%
11%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say religion is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
63%
27%
7%
2%
< 1%
5,491
Don't believe
13%
19%
26%
41%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
41%
27%
20%
9%
3%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who attend religious services…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
49%
36%
15%
< 1%
5,491
Don't believe
10%
28%
62%
< 1%
2,551
Other/don't know
34%
30%
34%
2%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who pray…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
66%
18%
5%
10%
1%
5,491
Don't believe
18%
9%
6%
67%
< 1%
2,551
Other/don't know
48%
14%
5%
29%
4%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who attend prayer group…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
30%
10%
10%
49%
< 1%
5,491
Don't believe
6%
3%
5%
86%
< 1%
2,551
Other/don't know
24%
6%
8%
58%
3%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who meditate…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
8%
5%
43%
1%
5,491
Don't believe
31%
11%
7%
51%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
42%
8%
5%
40%
4%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
65%
16%
10%
8%
1%
5,491
Don't believe
43%
17%
13%
25%
2%
2,551
Other/don't know
55%
16%
10%
15%
4%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
44%
19%
14%
22%
1%
5,491
Don't believe
52%
17%
16%
15%
< 1%
2,551
Other/don't know
53%
15%
13%
16%
3%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
41%
10%
38%
8%
3%
5,491
Don't believe
7%
22%
48%
21%
2%
2,551
Other/don't know
28%
18%
38%
9%
7%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
42%
56%
1%
1%
5,491
Don't believe
19%
79%
1%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
35%
61%
3%
2%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who read scripture…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
42%
12%
9%
37%
< 1%
5,491
Don't believe
9%
5%
7%
79%
< 1%
2,551
Other/don't know
31%
8%
10%
49%
3%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say the holy scripture is…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
27%
41%
3%
23%
6%
5,491
Don't believe
4%
5%
< 1%
87%
4%
2,551
Other/don't know
18%
17%
3%
43%
18%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who …in hell
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
Believe
73%
21%
6%
5,491
Don't believe
4%
95%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
18%
30%
52%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who identify as…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
Believe
51%
12%
37%
5,491
Don't believe
19%
13%
68%
2,551
Other/don't know
40%
20%
41%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who are…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
43%
37%
17%
3%
5,491
Don't believe
13%
33%
50%
3%
2,551
Other/don't know
34%
33%
25%
7%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who would rather have…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
64%
31%
2%
2%
5,491
Don't believe
43%
50%
4%
4%
2,551
Other/don't know
55%
32%
5%
7%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say government aid to the poor…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
53%
42%
4%
2%
5,491
Don't believe
28%
67%
3%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
41%
47%
7%
5%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say abortion should be…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
50%
46%
3%
5,491
Don't believe
85%
12%
2%
2,551
Other/don't know
58%
37%
6%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say homosexuality…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
60%
33%
4%
3%
5,491
Don't believe
89%
8%
2%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
64%
26%
5%
5%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who …same-sex marriage
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
Believe
52%
42%
6%
5,491
Don't believe
88%
9%
3%
2,551
Other/don't know
58%
32%
10%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say…
Chart
Table
Share
Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
39%
57%
2%
2%
5,491
Don't believe
17%
80%
2%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
36%
54%
6%
4%
756
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 college graduates by belief in heaven
% of college graduates who say humans…
Chart
Table
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Belief in Heaven
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
Believe
25%
33%
4%
35%
4%
5,491
Don't believe
80%
8%
3%
8%
1%
2,551
Other/don't know
38%
18%
12%
25%
7%
756
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.