Educational Attainment in California
More than a third of California adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Adults 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year (FRED GCT1502CA).
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher2023, U.S. Census ACS | 36.0% | 35.0% |
Schools in California
California runs the largest public K-12 system in the United States.
Public schools reporting teachers
1986–2024NCES Common Core of Data, public schools (school year starting in the year shown), via Urban Institute Education Data API.
Public school enrollment (K-12)
1986–2024NCES Common Core of Data, public schools (school year starting in the year shown), via Urban Institute Education Data API.
- •California's 5.85 million public-school students make it the largest K-12 system in the U.S.
Universities in California
California is home to world-renowned public and private universities.
College and graduate school students
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, undergraduate + graduate/professional, B14001 (2020 not released).
Graduation Rates in California
California's high school graduation rate has risen steadily over the past decade.
Adults 25+ with a high school diploma or higher
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B15003 (2020 not released).
Student Enrollment in California
Public school enrollment has declined slightly in recent years.
People enrolled in school (age 3+)
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, B14001 (2020 not released).
Student-Teacher Ratios in California
California classrooms have among the highest student-teacher ratios in the nation.
Students per full-time teacher (public schools)
1986–2024NCES Common Core of Data, public schools (school year starting in the year shown), via Urban Institute Education Data API.
Full-time-equivalent public school teachers
1986–2024NCES Common Core of Data, public schools (school year starting in the year shown), via Urban Institute Education Data API.
| Indicator | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Student-teacher ratio2023, NCES | 22 | 15 |