These are the Least Educated Cities in the US

Education is a critical determinant of earning potential and economic growth in the U.S. Workers with higher education levels, particularly those holding bachelor’s degrees, earn significantly more than those with only a high school diploma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

the wage gap stands at a striking 68%. Consequently, cities with higher education levels tend to attract more companies, fostering innovation and economic development. This article delves into the cities with the lowest education levels in the U.S., analyzing various factors like high school dropout rates, college degree attainment, and demographic disparities in education.

Overview of the U.S. Education System

The educational landscape in the U.S. has seen considerable growth over the years. In 2021, half of American adults held a college degree, a significant increase from 42% in 2010, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, this growth is uneven, influenced by factors such as cost and demographic disparities.

The Cost of Higher Education

One of the most significant barriers to higher education is its cost, which has been steadily rising. Between the 2010-11 and 2021-22 academic years, tuition and fees at public, four-year universities increased by about 7%, while private, nonprofit universities saw a 14% hike. The average annual cost for in-state public tuition stands at $9,700, and private tuition averages $38,800. These costs, including living expenses, significantly affect students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, limiting their access to higher education.

Educational Attainment by Gender

Over the past few decades, women have made remarkable strides in educational attainment, surpassing men in several areas. In 1972, men graduated with bachelor’s degrees at a rate 12% higher than women. By 1982, this gap had closed, and women have since outpaced men. In the 2021-22 academic year, women earned about 59% of all bachelor’s degrees. Men, however, are more likely to drop out of high school and less likely to enroll in college, contributing to this gender gap in education.

Educational Attainment by Race and Ethnicity

Racial and ethnic disparities also play a significant role in educational attainment. Higher dropout rates and lower college enrollment rates among Black and Hispanic students result in fewer college degrees. In 2021, the dropout rate for white students aged 16 to 24 was 4.1%, while it was 5.9% for

Black students and 7.8% for Hispanic students. Native American students had the highest dropout rate at 10.2%, whereas Asian students had the lowest at 2.1%. College enrollment rates show similar disparities, with Asian Americans enrolling at the highest rate of 60%.

Least Educated Cities in the U.S.

Identifying the least educated cities involves looking beyond mere degree counts to factors such as dropout rates and demographic disparities. Below are some of the least educated cities in the U.S.:

Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield has one of the lowest educational attainment rates in the country, with only about 15% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree. The high school dropout rate is also high, and significant racial and economic disparities contribute to the city’s low education levels.

Visalia, California
In Visalia, less than 20% of the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree. The city faces significant challenges with high school dropout rates and limited access to higher education, particularly for its Hispanic population.

McAllen, Texas
McAllen has a low college degree attainment rate, with only about 17% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree. The city also struggles with high school dropout rates and limited educational resources.

Brownsville, Texas
Similar to McAllen, Brownsville has low educational attainment, with less than 20% of its population holding a bachelor’s degree. The city faces significant socioeconomic barriers that hinder access to higher education.

Modesto, California
Modesto reports low levels of higher education attainment, with only about 18% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree. High school dropout rates and economic disparities contribute to the city’s educational challenges.

Top U.S. Education Trends

Several trends are shaping the education landscape in the U.S., affecting both the most and least educated cities. These trends include declining college enrollment, rising costs, and increased investment in vocational education.

Declining Popularity of College

The number of students enrolling in college has been declining for several years. Between fall 2019 and fall 2022, postsecondary enrollment dropped by over a million students. However, there has been a slight increase in enrollment for the 2022-23 academic year, signaling potential changes in education trends. Online college options have also become more prevalent.

College Affordability Concerns

The cost of college remains a significant issue, with student debt and tuition rates continuing to rise. While some states are increasing funding for public colleges and offering targeted grants, others have yet to make significant investments in college affordability.

Rise in Technical and Vocational Schools

The high cost of college has led to a growing interest in technical and vocational schools. These institutions offer more affordable education options and have seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in programs related to transportation, personal services, and mechanics. Many state governors are promoting vocational education as a crucial component of workforce development.

Conclusion

While the U.S. has made strides in increasing the number of college graduates, significant disparities remain. Cities with lower education levels face numerous challenges, including high costs, gender and racial disparities, and socioeconomic barriers. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including making college more affordable and accessible and promoting alternative education options like vocational training.