A Profile of Older Americans: 2003

Education

The educational level of the older population is increasing. Between 1970 and 2002, the percentage who had completed high school rose from 28% to 70% Almost 17% in 2002 had a bachelor's degree or more. The percentage who had completed high school varied considerably by race and ethnic origin in 2002: 74% of Whites**, 68% of Asians and Pacific Islanders**, 51% of African-Americans**, and 35% of Hispanics. The increase in educational levels is also evident within these groups. In 1970, only 30% of older Whites and 9% of older African-Americans were high school graduates.

(Source: Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement (formerly the Annual Demographic Survey), 2002 and related tables on the Census Bureau web site)