Research brief

What is the highest level of education completed by the respondent, categorized by the following levels: Less than high school, High school graduate or equivalent, Some college or associate degree, Bachelor's degree, or Graduate or professional degree?

Based on a survey of 1000 U.S. consumers generated from demographic-based AI respondents.Sep 15, 2026, 3:04 PMPublic research report

Target audience

US adults aged 25 and older

Age 25-Any

Sample size 1,000

Completed / Failed 1000 / 0

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed?

Some college or associate degree

28.1%

n=281

Respondents for this option · Drivers

Economic necessity or financial stability

Career advancement requirements

Personal intellectual development

Influence of family or social environment

Availability of educational opportunities

High school graduate or equivalent

25.2%

n=252

Respondents for this option · Drivers

Economic necessity or financial stability

Influence of family or social environment

Personal intellectual development

Career advancement requirements

Availability of educational opportunities

Bachelor's degree

25.1%

n=251

Respondents for this option · Drivers

Career advancement requirements

Economic necessity or financial stability

Personal intellectual development

Availability of educational opportunities

Influence of family or social environment

Graduate or professional degree

18.7%

n=187

Respondents for this option · Drivers

Career advancement requirements

Personal intellectual development

Economic necessity or financial stability

Availability of educational opportunities

Influence of family or social environment

Less than high school

2.9%

n=29

Respondents for this option · Drivers

Economic necessity or financial stability

Personal intellectual development

Career advancement requirements

Availability of educational opportunities

Influence of family or social environment

Some college or associate degree audience

The Some college or associate degree segment is characterized by lower income levels and a higher prevalence of never-married individuals.

281 / 1,000 respondents28.1%

Nearly 60% of this segment earns less than $50,000 annually.

Individuals in this group are more likely to have never been married compared to the general population.

Key differences

Potential risks

What are they worried about?

Financial burden and uncertain return on investment

The high cost of pursuing additional education is my primary concern because it threatens the financial stability I have worked hard to maintain in my sales career.

Skills obsolescence and misalignment with job market demands

My biggest concern is that the highly specialized skills from my doctorate might become misaligned with the rapidly evolving demands of the job market, potentially rendering my specific expertise less relevant.

Lack of access to mentorship, guidance, and specialized training

I am concerned that my current lack of access to specialized training will eventually stall my career progression in this administrative field.

Difficulty balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities

My biggest concern is the constant struggle to balance demanding professional responsibilities in healthcare with the time required for ongoing advanced education.

Combined barriers of time, cost, and access

My biggest concern is that my limited income and unpredictable work hours make it nearly impossible to afford or find the time for the specialized training I need to advance.

Sampling data

Review the respondent-level sample records