U.S.: Share of Adults Who Perceive Their Personal Health as Excellent/Good, by education level
Education levelAdult population,
in %
Graduate degree65
Bachelors degree61
Associate degree55
Some postsecondary education47
No postsecondary education43
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2020 to 2022
  • Published: Aug 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Educational Attainment and Health Status Correlation

Educational attainment appears strongly correlated with self-rated health status among U.S. adults. A notable 65% of individuals with graduate degrees rate their health as excellent or good, the highest percentage across all education levels. In contrast, only 43% of those without any postsecondary education share this positive health assessment, marking a significant 22 percentage point difference between the highest and lowest education levels.

Graduate Degree Holders Lead in Positive Health Ratings

Holders of graduate degrees not only top the chart with 65% rating their health as excellent or good but also set a clear benchmark for health perception. This group's rating is 4 percentage points higher than that of bachelor's degree holders, who come in second at 61%. This differentiation underscores the incremental benefits of higher education on perceived health status.

Continuous Decline Across Education Levels

A continuous decline in the percentage of U.S. adults rating their health as excellent or good is observed as educational attainment decreases. From 61% among bachelor's degree holders to 43% among those with no postsecondary education, each successive education level reports a lower positive health status, highlighting the gradient effect of education on health perceptions.

Significant Drop Beyond Postsecondary Education

The data reveals a significant drop in health status ratings between individuals with some postsecondary education and those with an associate degree. While 55% of associate degree holders rate their health positively, this figure falls to 47% for those with some postsecondary education but no degree, indicating a crucial threshold within postsecondary educational attainment impacting health perceptions.

Comparison Between Postsecondary Educated and Non-educated Adults

The comparison between adults with and without postsecondary education showcases a stark contrast in health status perceptions. Adults with at least some postsecondary education exhibit a 4 percentage point higher positive health rating (47%) compared to their counterparts with no postsecondary education (43%). This comparison underscores the significance of even partial higher education on individuals' health outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who leads in positive health ratings among various educational groups?

Graduate degree holders lead with 65% rating their health as excellent or good, 4 percentage points higher than bachelor's degree holders, who score 61%.

How does the positive health status vary across education levels?

A continuous decline in excellent or good self-rated health is observed as educational attainment decreases, falling from 61% among bachelor's degree holders to 43% among those with no postsecondary education.

Terms and Definitions

A self-evaluative concept where individuals assess their own health status based on their physical, mental, and emotional conditions. This can be influenced by various factors such as age, lifestyle, personal experiences, and awareness about health and wellbeing.

This refers to the highest degree or level of schooling an individual has completed. It's a key demographic indicator often used in research studies to draw correlations between education and various societal, economic, or health outcomes. Education levels commonly include categories such as no high school diploma, high school graduate, some college, and Bachelor's degree or higher.

A statistic or piece of data that reflects significant social, economic, or health characteristics of a population. Examples can include variables such as age, gender, income, occupation, and education.

An instrument used to collect data on the health status, health behaviors, and health care utilization of a population. Health surveys often include questions about mental and physical health, access to healthcare services, and lifestyle behaviors that affect health.

An individual's own evaluation of their health status, which can include physical, mental, and emotional aspects. This is largely influenced by the individual's perception and may not necessarily align with clinical assessments of their health.