Education and Economic Mobility

Most Americans believe that the road to achieving the American Dream passes through the schoolhouse door.  This chapter examines evidence of the returns to schooling in the American economy, changes in the average level of education by various groups of Americans during the twentieth century and the role of education and family background in promoting economic mobility.

Supporting Assets

Figure 1: Median Family Income of Adults Ages 30-39 with Various Levels of Educational Achievement, 1946-2005
Figure 2: Years of Schooling Completed by Adults at the 20th, 50th, and 80th Percentiles, 1900-2000
Figure 3: High School Graduation Rates by Gender and Ethnic Group
Figure 4: College Graduation Rates by Gender and Ethnic Group
Figure 5: Percent of Children and Family Income above their Parents' Family Income, by Education Level
Figure 6: Chances of Getting Ahead for Children with and without a College Degree, from Families of Varying Income
Figure 7: Percent of Children with a College Degree by Parents' Family Income Quintile, 2005
Figure 8: Trends in Average Mathmatics Scores for 17-Year-Olds by Parents' Highest Level of Education, 1978-2004
Figure 9: Percentage of High School Class of 1992 Enrolled in Various Postsecondary Institutions

Download the complete Education and Economic Mobility Report here.

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