Definition
The count of individuals aged 25 years and older who have completed high school or achieved an equivalent diploma, including those with some college, associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees.
Why It Matters
This serves as a basic indicator of foundational education within a population, representing a minimum level of general knowledge and skills. It's often a baseline for labor force participation and entry-level economic stability.
Specific Relevance for Professionals:
Marketers
Helps segment markets for a broad range of consumer goods and services where a basic level of education is assumed. It's a foundational demographic for mass-market products and general consumer targeting.
Researchers
Fundamental for comparative studies of educational attainment and its relationship to employment, income, and social outcomes, providing a key benchmark for academic achievement within a population.
Consultants
Useful for initial assessments of workforce readiness for roles requiring basic qualifications or for evaluating broad consumer markets where a general level of education is the primary factor for clients.
Public Policy Workers
Important for understanding the general educational attainment of the workforce, informing vocational training needs, and ensuring foundational educational services are meeting community standards.
