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Did You Know? |
- Each year, students across the globe face some of the most grueling university entrance exams, with stakes that often shape their future. In China, the Gaokao is a multi-day academic marathon, known for its extreme pressure
and fierce competition to enter top institutions. India tests aspiring engineers with the JEE Advanced—only a handful make it into IITs—and the UPSC exam remains one of the toughest national tests. Japan puts students through
demanding university-specific exams, particularly for prestigious schools like Tokyo University, where reapplication is common. South Korea’s Suneung (CSAT) is a national event, so impactful that even flights are grounded
during the exam. In the United States, students tackle exams like the SAT, ACT, and GRE, with top scores often being the gateway to elite universities or professional programs like medicine. Meanwhile, the UK showcases academic
rigor in Oxford’s All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam, a famously philosophical test where only two candidates are chosen each year. These assessments reveal just how deeply nations value education and excellence.
- The U.S. Department of Education, which has been a cabinet-level agency since 1980, is responsible for designating federal aid through
Title I, a federal education program that supports low-income students throughout the nation, including regulating student
loan relief through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or income-based repayment plans, and handing out Pell Grants; about 43% of public schools currently qualify for Title I funding, with a total of 49,229 schools benefiting
from the program, the President-elect Trump has vowed to eliminate the Department of Education.
- As of 2025, there are approximately 5,819 Title IV postsecondary institutions in the U.S., including an estimated 1,795 public and about 4,024 private universities, colleges, and community colleges—a slight decline from 5,916
institutions in 2021. In the K–12 sector, there are 128,966 schools nationwide, comprising 99,239 public schools and 29,727 private schools, reflecting a modest increase in public institutions and a small decrease in private ones
since 2020. These figures illustrate the dynamic landscape of American education at both the pre-college and postsecondary levels.
- As of 2025, average annual tuition and fees at American community colleges are approximately $5,121 for in-state students and $8,793 for out-of-state students, with several states offering tuition-free programs for eligible
residents. In contrast, public four-year colleges charge around $12,460 for in-state tuition and $19,553 for out-of-state, while private four-year institutions average $29,895. Community colleges enroll nearly half of all Hispanic
and 39% of all Black students in higher education, reflecting their critical role in expanding access. However, challenges remain: around 30% of students drop out within the first year, only about 43.4% complete a degree or certificate
within six years, and although four out of five community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, just 16%–17% ultimately achieve that goal—highlighting persistent gaps between educational intentions and outcomes.
- As of 2025, approximately 62.8% of U.S. high school graduates immediately enroll in college, reflecting a gradual decline from earlier years; most colleges and universities continue to have inclusive admissions practices, with
over half accepting a majority of applicants. Ivy League schools remain exceptionally selective, enrolling fewer than 0.5% of all undergraduates nationwide. Meanwhile, community colleges play a significant role in higher education,
serving about 39% of all undergraduate students and offering a vital pathway for many, including first-generation and underrepresented learners.
- Globally recognized for cultivating influential leaders, elite U.S. universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have come under intensified federal scrutiny in recent years, driven by a complex interplay of ideological,
political, and institutional tensions. Institutions like Harvard and Columbia have faced allegations of failing to adequately protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian campus demonstrations, leading to threats of
revoked federal funding under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have also been targeted, with universities such as the University of Virginia pressured to scale back or
dismantle these programs. In addition, substantial federal research funding has been frozen, Harvard’s certification to enroll international students was rescinded, and several universities have launched legal challenges,
citing unconstitutional retaliation. Collectively, these developments reflect a broader cultural and political reckoning over the role, values, and independence of higher education in American society.
- Several U.S. universities have educated presidents and top leaders from around the world. Harvard University counts among its alumni Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, Sebastián Piñera of Chile, Pierre Trudeau of Canada,
Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan, and Lobsang Sangay of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Yale University educated Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico, Mario Monti of Italy, and Peter Mutharika of Malawi. Princeton University produced Syngman
Rhee of South Korea, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of Peru, Fakhruddin Ahmed of Bangladesh, Paul van Zeeland of Belgium, and Idrissa Seck of Senegal. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point trained José María Figueres of Costa Rica,
Anastasio Somoza García of Nicaragua, and Carlos P. Garcia of the Philippines. Other U.S. institutions also contributed to global leadership: Columbia University educated Ashraf Ghani, Mauricio Macri of Argentina, and Ernesto
Samper of Colombia; the University of Pennsylvania counts Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh and Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica among its alumni; Stanford University educated King Philippe of Belgium and Kiril Petkov of Bulgaria;
and Georgetown University is alma mater to Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica and King Abdullah II of Jordan. These examples underscore the global impact of U.S. higher education in shaping international leadership.
- Harvard University has produced more U.S. presidents than any other institution, with notable alumni including John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.
Yale University ranks second, having educated leaders such as William Howard Taft, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush. The United States Military Academy at West Point is third, with graduates like Ulysses S. Grant
and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Princeton University follows in fourth place, most notably as the alma mater of Woodrow Wilson, who also served as its president. The College of William and Mary ranks fifth, having
educated early presidents such as Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. This ranking remains consistent with historical data, with no major changes in recent years.
- International students in the U.S. are facing significant changes in 2025. While the total number of foreign students has been historically high, recent developments of the Trump administration's decision to revoke
Harvard University's ability to enroll international students has thrown thousands of students into legal limbo. Harvard has challenged the decision in court, and a federal judge has temporarily blocked the ban
while the legal battle unfolds. Beyond Harvard, the overall number of international students in the U.S. has declined by 11.33% between March 2024 and March 2025. This drop is particularly noticeable among Indian students,
whose enrollment has fallen by 28%. The decline is attributed to visa restrictions, federal funding cuts, and concerns about the U.S. as a study destination.
- The U.S. hosted a record 1,126,690 international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. Among them, India has surpassed China as the top country of origin, with 331,602 Indian students
(↑23% from the previous year) in the U.S., followed by 277,398 Chinese students (↓4%). International students make up 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and their total economic contribution reached $43.8 billion
in 2023–2024, supporting over 378,000 U.S. jobs, according to NAFSA.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, University of Oxford, Stanford University, University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, National University of Singapore, University of California at Berkeley,
and University of Virginia are the most recognized universities for their academic excellence, research contributions, and global influence in the world.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Consistently ranked as the top university globally.
- Harvard University – A prestigious Ivy League institution known for its academic excellence in the USA.
- University of Oxford – One of the oldest universities in the world, located in the UK.
- Stanford University – A leading research university in California, USA.
- University of Cambridge – Another historic UK university with a strong global reputation.
- ETH Zurich – A top-ranked university in Switzerland, known for science and technology.
- National University of Singapore (NUS) – One of Asia’s leading universities.
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB) – A highly regarded public university in the USA.
- University of Virginia (UVA) - A widely recognized as one of the top public universities in the USA.
- Harvard University has indeed stood firm in its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and its admissions and hiring policies. The university emphasizes fostering an inclusive environment
where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive, and its stance has occasionally placed Harvard at odds with critics who argue against such programs,
but the institution continues to advocate for its values of equity and belonging. This is one of reasons that caused a tension between Trump and Harvard, he has accused Harvard of promoting DEI programs that he opposes.
Furthermore, Trump has criticized Harvard for allegedly teaching "failure"
and being overly influenced by "radical left" ideologies. As a result, Harvard has refused to comply
with demands to dismantle DEI initiatives and change its admissions and hiring policies. In response to Harvard’s decision to fight,
Trump's administration froze over $2 billion in federal funding, and has made several threats against Harvard, including targeting its tax-exempt status, and revoking Harvard's ability to host international students by cutting
off their visas.
- Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Known for its academic excellence and historical significance
Harvard's influence stretches across the globe for its cutting-edge research, prestigious faculty, and remarkable alumni network. Some of its notable alumni include several U.S. presidents like John F. Kennedy
and Barack Obama, as well as countless Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, and influential figures. Harvard’s prominence isn’t just rooted in its past, but also in its continuous drive for innovation across diverse fields.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a powerhouse of innovation and technological advancement and renowned for its focus on science and technology. Since its establishment in 1861,
MIT has been a leader in scientific research, engineering breakthroughs, and interdisciplinary education. MIT is particularly famous for its cutting-edge contributions to fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence,
nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. MIT boasts numerous Nobel Prize winners, Fields Medalists, and Turing Award recipients among its faculty and alumni. The university has an impressive list of notable alumni who
have made significant contributions across various fields, such as Buzz Aldrin, who is the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, Kofi Annan, who is former Secretary-General of the United Nations
and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and I.M. Pei, who is the world-famous architect known for designing the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. MIT's culture thrives on curiosity and problem-solving, attracting some of the brightest minds
from around the globe.
- The University of Oxford is a beacon of academic excellence and historical legacy. Established in 1096, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, situated in the picturesque city of Oxford, England.
Its reputation stems not only from its ancient roots but also from its relentless pursuit of intellectual achievements and cutting-edge research. A prestigious institution with centuries of history, Oxford is renowned for
its tutorial-based teaching method, where students engage in rigorous one-on-one discussions with leading scholars. The university offers a wide range of programs across disciplines, from humanities to sciences, and boasts
an extraordinary faculty. Its libraries, including the iconic Bodleian Library, are treasures of knowledge and history. Oxford has an impressive list of notable alumni and history's most influential figures,
such as authors J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll, scientists like Stephen Hawking, and world leaders like former UK Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.
- Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, has earned its reputation as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 1885, Stanford has been a leading force in
driving advancements in technology, business, and research. Famous for innovation and entrepreneurship, and particularly known for its close ties to the tech industry, many groundbreaking companies like Cisco, Gap, Google,
Hewlett-Packard, Nike, IDEO, Instagram, LinkedIn, Netflix and Robert Mondavi Winerym were founded by Stanford alumni or had their roots on campus. Academically, Stanford excels in a wide range of disciplines,
from engineering and computer science to medicine and the humanities. The university's faculty includes Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Turing Award winners, while its students consistently push boundaries
in their respective fields.
- The University of Cambridge, a historic and highly regarded university, founded in 1209, stands as one of the world's most prestigious and historically significant institutions of higher education.
Located in Cambridge, England, it is known for its academic excellence, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural legacy. Cambridge has been a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and intellectual achievements.
For instance, Sir Isaac Newton developed his theory of gravity while studying at Cambridge, and DNA's structure was uncovered by researchers at the university. Its notable alumni include towering figures
such as Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking, and many more Nobel laureates. The university consists of 31 colleges, each with its own unique traditions and history. The renowned
Cambridge University Library houses priceless manuscripts and scholarly works.
- Choosing a college major can significantly impact the future career; below are top 4 useful degrees based on post-graduate employment and median annual wages:
- Computer Science:
- In-demand major with a projected growth rate of 20% (2021–2031).
- Median annual wage: $131,500.
- Skills include programming, web development, and data science.
- Possible jobs: Programmer, Cybersecurity specialist, Data scientist, Web developer.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences:
- Combines biology, chemistry, and other sciences for medicine study and development.
- Expected growth rate: 2% (2021–2031).
- Median annual salary: $128,600
- Biomedical Engineering:
- Prepares graduate for work in medical device development, manufacturing, and research.
- Expected growth rate: 10% (2021–2031).
- Median annual wage: $97,400.
- Possible jobs: Bioengineer, Bioengineering associate, Biomedical engineering manager, Medical device developer.
- Marine Engineering:
- Focuses on marine operating systems (boats, submarines, offshore structures).
- Expected growth rate: 4% (2021–2031).
- Median annual wage: $93,400.
- Possible jobs: Naval architect, Marine mechanic, Naval engineering consultant.
- As of the 2023–24 academic year, there were 5,819 Title IV postsecondary institutions in the U.S., reflecting a 2% decrease from 5,918 in 2022–23, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This decline
continues a multi-year trend driven largely by closures and consolidations, especially among private for-profit schools. In terms of sector breakdown, public 4-year institutions increased slightly to 817 (a 1.7% rise,
partly due to 16 schools transitioning from 2-year status), while private nonprofit 4-year schools declined to 1,567 (down 1.3%). The private for-profit sector saw the steepest drops, with 4-year institutions falling to 307
(down 4.1%) and 2-year institutions down to 508 (a 3.6% decrease). Public institutions remain relatively stable, while the private sector—particularly for-profits—continues to contract.
- Of all postsecondary Title IV institutions that include universities, colleges and community colleges in the U.S., as of 2021 there were 5,916
schools, including 1,892 public schools and 4,024 private schools.
- The Class of 2028 at Harvard is the first admitted after the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision that struck down race-conscious admissions, prompting the university to revise its process by removing race data from application
reviews and introducing new essay prompts focused on life experiences. As a result, demographic shifts were modest from the class of 2027 to the class of 2028 but notable: Asian American representation rose significantly from 29.9% to 37%,
while Black enrollment declined from 18% to 14%, and Native American representation dropped from 2% to 1%. Hispanic/Latino students increased slightly from 14% to 16%, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander representation remained under 1%.
Additionally, 8% of students chose not to disclose their race, up from 4% the previous year. Harvard reaffirmed its commitment to diversity through race-neutral strategies, including expanded outreach and revised application components
aimed at capturing applicants’ lived experiences.
- Harvard University’s Class of 2027 includes a record 29.9% of admitted students identifying as Asian American—a 2.1% increase from the previous year—while the percentages of Black and Latino admits declined to 15.3% and 11.3%,
respectively, and Native American and Native Hawaiian admits also saw drops, to 2.0% and 0.5%. This admissions cycle occurred in the wake of a landmark June 29, 2023, U.S. Supreme Court decision, which found that Harvard and
the University of North Carolina’s race-conscious admissions policies violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively ending the consideration of race as a factor in college admissions nationwide.
- Harvard University’s Class of 2027 includes a record 29.9% of admitted students identifying as Asian American—a 2.1% increase from the previous year—while the percentages of Black and Latino admits declined to 15.3% and 11.3%,
respectively, and Native American and Native Hawaiian admits also saw drops, to 2.0% and 0.5%. This admissions cycle occurred in the wake of a landmark June 29, 2023, U.S. Supreme Court decision, which found that Harvard and
the University of North Carolina’s race-conscious admissions policies violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively ending the consideration of race as a factor in college admissions nationwide.
- According to the OECD's 2023 "Education at a Glance" report, the United States ranks 5th among OECD countries in college degree attainment for adults aged 25–64, with 50% holding a tertiary education credential.
However, when focusing on younger adults aged 25–34, the U.S. drops to 12th place, with 51% of that age group having completed a college degree. This relative decline reflects slower growth in higher education attainment
among younger Americans compared to their peers in other countries, where younger generations are increasingly outpacing older ones in educational achievement.
- In 2015, 54% of Asian adults aged 25 and older held at least a bachelor’s degree,
compared to 36% of white adults, 23% of Black adults, and 15% of Hispanic adults, with 21% of Asians and 14% of whites holding advanced degrees. By 2023–2024, educational attainment had risen across all groups: 61% of Asian adults
had at least a bachelor’s degree and over 25% held advanced degrees, while 41.8% of white adults had a bachelor’s degree or higher with about 14% holding advanced degrees. Among Black adults, 27.6% had at least a bachelor’s degree,
and among Hispanic adults, the figure rose to 20.9%. These trends reflect steady gains in higher education across all demographics, with Asian Americans maintaining the highest levels of attainment.
- The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest (first awarded in 1902) and most prestigious international scholarship
program, enabling outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.
The Scholarship has purposely identified young leaders from around the world who, through the pursuit of education together at Oxford, would forge bonds
of mutual understanding and fellowship for the betterment of mankind. Rhodes Scholars are people
who have a vision of how the world could be better and the energy to make a difference – whatever their sphere of interest. As Selection Committees select
on the basis not only of intellect, but also of character, leadership and commitment to service, the Scholar
Program in Oxford aims to build on these Rhodes Scholar qualities, with the first and second-year retreats, workshops and conferences.
- The MacArthur Fellowship is a five-year grant to individuals who show exceptional creativity in their work and the prospect for still more in the future.
The Fellowship is designed to provide recipients with the flexibility to pursue their own artistic, intellectual, and professional activities in the absence of specific obligations or reporting requirements. MacArthur
supports people and organizations working to address a variety of complex societal challenges. The Fellowship program offers a $625,000 award over five years to individuals who have displayed extraordinary creativity in their fields,
encouraging them to further harness their potential in future works. While many recipients come from the performing arts community, the program also includes teachers,
scientists, journalists, and humanitarians. In 2015, the Foundation paid out $325.4 million in grants and program-related investments to organizations and individuals in the United States and around the world.
- John D. MacArthur (1897-1978) was an American insurance magnate, real estate investor and philanthropist who established
the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation,
benefactor in the MacArthur Fellowships. Since 1978,
the MacArthur Fellowship Foundation has paid out $6 billion through more than 23,506 grants and program-related investments to more than 8,565 organizations and individuals. As of December 31, 2016, MacArthur's assets totaled $6.2 billion.
Organizations supported by the Foundation work in about 50 countries. In addition to Chicago, MacArthur has offices in India,
Mexico, and Nigeria.
- In the U.S., the vast majority of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree do not graduate within the expected four years. As of 2024, only 33.2% of students at four-year colleges graduate on time, though this rate varies by institution
type—with public schools averaging 38.4% and private schools 31.3%. The six-year graduation rate, which is a more common benchmark, was 61.1% in 2024, a slight increase from 62.2% in 2023 and 62% in 2018, according to the
National Student Clearinghouse. In 2018, for example, only 55% of full-time and 21% of part-time students who entered college in 2012 had graduated within six years. Similarly, just 59% of students who started at any four-year
institution in fall 2006 had earned a degree by 2012. These figures highlight persistent challenges in college completion, especially for part-time students and those attending less selective or under-resourced institutions.
- Top U.S. public universities by graduation rate (2024–25) are
University of Virginia (95%),
University of California at Berkeley (93%),
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (92%),
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (93%), and
University of Florida (92%).
These figures represent the percentage of students who graduate within 150% of the expected time (typically within 6 years for a 4-year degree). All five institutions continue to rank among the
top-performing public universities in the U.S. for student completion.
- As of 2024, several American public universities continue to report low six-year graduation rates, often due to challenges such as limited funding, high part-time enrollment, and large populations of non-traditional
or first-generation students. For example, Chicago State University has a graduation rate of just 11%, while Southern University at New Orleans, Northeastern Illinois University, and Langston University each report rates around 17%.
Other institutions with similarly low rates include the University of the District of Columbia (20%), Texas Southern University (20%), Albany State University (23%), University of Maine at Augusta (16%), Governors State
University (20%), and Harris-Stowe State University (21%).
- As of the 2024–2025 academic year, around 25% to 30% of U.S. allopathic medical schools offer combined BS/BA-MD programs that allow academically strong high school students to secure a spot in medical school without reapplying
after their undergraduate studies. These programs typically span six to eight years, with some accelerated tracks condensing the path to a medical degree into just six or seven years. During the undergraduate portion, students
complete their bachelor’s degree and fulfill premedical requirements before advancing directly to the affiliated medical school, provided they meet academic benchmarks. While some of these programs are hosted by less selective
institutions, many are associated with highly competitive universities such as Brown, Rice/Baylor, and Northwestern, reflecting a broad range in prestige and selectivity across the offerings.
- As of 2025, more than 100 MD-PhD programs are offered at U.S. medical schools, with about 60–70 receiving NIH funding through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). These dual-degree programs are structured
around a “2-4-2” model, typically requiring two years of pre-clinical medical coursework, four years of PhD research, and two years of clinical rotations, allowing students to complete both degrees in about 7 to 8 years—less time
than pursuing the degrees separately. Following completion, graduates enter a residency that can last between 3 and 7 years, depending on specialty. This pathway is designed to prepare physician-scientists who integrate clinical
practice with biomedical research, ultimately reducing the total training time compared to earning each degree independently.
- As of 2025, most MD-PhD candidates in the U.S. pursue their PhD in biomedical laboratory disciplines such as genetics, cell biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering, combining rigorous research
with clinical training to investigate disease mechanisms while caring for patients. Around 65% of graduates spend the majority of their professional time conducting research, and approximately 75% work in academic medicine
or pharmaceutical sectors where both research and patient care intersect; 68% are based in academia, 16% enter private practice, and the remainder take on roles in industry, government, or research institutions.
These dual-degree programs are primarily housed in top-tier medical schools and are designed to develop physician-scientists who bridge the gap between scientific discovery and medical application.
- The University of Farmington, a fictitious institution based in Michigan, was established in 2015 by undercover agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of "Operation Paper Chase" to
expose "pay-to-stay" immigration fraud involving student visas. Though it had no classes or instructors, it appeared legitimate online and advertised annual tuition of $8,500 for undergraduates and $11,000 for graduate students.
In February 2019, 130 students—129 of whom were from India—were arrested and charged with civil immigration violations for enrolling in the sham university and potentially faced deportation. The operation sparked significant
controversy, with critics alleging entrapment, and in 2024, a federal appeals court allowed affected students to sue the U.S. government for tuition refunds.
- The University of Northern New Jersey was a fake institution set up in 2013 by undercover agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to expose "pay-to-stay" immigration fraud, and the operation became public in 2016.
Designed to appear legitimate—with a website, social media presence, and fake staff—it had no classes or curriculum, serving instead as a front to identify brokers who facilitated visa fraud for foreign nationals. As a result,
21 individuals acting as brokers or recruiters were arrested for conspiring to help more than 1,000 international students, mostly from China and India, fraudulently obtain or maintain student and work visas. While these students
were not criminally charged, many had their visas revoked and faced deportation proceedings. The operation drew criticism for entrapment concerns, especially regarding students who may have been unaware of the university’s
fraudulent nature.
- As of 2024, Americans aged 60 and older hold more than $125 billion in student loan debt—nearly double the $66.7 billion they owed in 2015—making them the fastest-growing age group in the student loan market, despite still
being the smallest segment by number. This sharp rise is driven by loans taken out for their own education as well as to support children and grandchildren, with the average debt exceeding $30,000 per borrower. Many older borrowers
face serious financial burdens, including loan defaults and the garnishment of Social Security benefits, highlighting a growing need for targeted relief and repayment options tailored to aging borrowers.
- As of 2024, nearly 1.5 million foreign students have stayed and worked in the U.S. after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which has expanded significantly—growing by over 120% since 2008.
The program, especially popular among STEM graduates for its 36-month work extension, plays a major role in retaining international talent. Leading public universities with high OPT participation include the University of Michigan
(about 1,667 students), UCLA (around 1,424), and historically, CUNY’s Baruch College. Among private institutions, top participants include Columbia University (approximately 3,712), the University of Southern California
(around 2,997), and New York University (roughly 2,009). While past totals reflect cumulative participation over several years, these schools remain key drivers of OPT activity as of 2024.
- In 2016, DeVry University and its parent company agreed to a $100 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission after being accused of misleading prospective students with advertising that exaggerated job placement
rates and income outcomes. The FTC found that DeVry’s claims—that 90% of its graduates secured jobs in their field within six months and earned 15% more than peers from other schools—were unsubstantiated. As part of the settlement,
$49.4 million was distributed in cash to students, while $50.6 million was allocated for forgiving unpaid private loans, tuition, and other fees, and DeVry also agreed to stop making deceptive employment and salary claims in future advertising.
- Colleges with links to their SEC filings or under federal investigations.
- In 2016, over 90 Chinese international students at the University of Washington (UW) were defrauded of approximately $1 million in a tuition payment scam. The scheme, promoted via WeChat, promised a 5% discount on tuition
if students paid through a third-party intermediary who used stolen or invalid credit cards to make fake payments to UW, then provided students with forged receipts. Students paid the intermediary directly, only to later discover
their tuition had not been paid. The FBI and UW Police investigated the case, but no public arrests or recoveries have been reported. Separately, in 2025, UW agreed to a $4 million class action settlement unrelated to the scam,
compensating students enrolled in in-person programs during Winter and Spring 2020 for the shift to remote learning due to COVID-19, with payouts expected by late 2025.
- As of 2024/2025, starting salaries for graduates from top U.S. universities have risen significantly compared to prior years, particularly for those in STEM fields. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and
Stanford University lead with average starting salaries around $126,400, especially in computer science, while Harvard and Princeton graduates earn roughly $96,800 and $86,500, respectively. Graduates from Rice University and the
University of Pennsylvania typically earn between $73,100 and $75,000, depending on major. Among military academies, base salaries range from approximately $39,445 at the U.S. Naval Academy to around $48,100 at the
U.S. Military Academy and Air Force Academy, with added housing and benefits. Columbia, NYU, and other competitive schools continue to yield solid earnings potential, although comprehensive updated figures for schools like Duke,
Dartmouth, Berkeley, Brown, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago are still pending. Overall, the job market remains strong for graduates of elite institutions, with compensation particularly high in technology and finance sectors.
- As of 2016/2017, starting salaries for graduates of well-known U.S. universities/colleges:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): $78,300
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point: $76,000 (including housing & benefits)
- U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis: $72,900 (including housing & benefits)
- Stanford University: $70,800
- U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs: $68,800 (including housing & benefits)
- Princeton University: $65,700
- Harvard University: $65,200
- Rice University: $62,300
- University of Pennsylvania: $62,200
- Duke University: $61,300
- Dartmouth College: $60,800
- University of California - Berkeley: $60,500
- Brown University: $58,600
- Georgetown University: $55,400
- University of Chicago: $53,000
- In 1988, Tue Nguyen, a Vietnamese refugee who arrived in the United States in 1979 as a "boat person" with no English proficiency, earned his seventh degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT)—a doctorate in nuclear engineering—setting a school record at the time. Before receiving his PhD, Nguyen had already earned five Bachelor of Science degrees in physics, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering,
mathematics, and nuclear engineering, as well as a Master of Science in nuclear engineering. Known for his extraordinary work ethic, he reportedly took up to 12 courses per semester, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to academic
achievement.
- As of the 2024–2025 academic year, approximately 342,875 international undergraduate students are enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities—a modest decline from previous years—while the total international student population
across all levels has reached a record high of 1.13 million. China and India remain the leading countries of origin, with China sending the most undergraduates and India dominating graduate and OPT participation. International
students collectively contribute an estimated $43.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy through tuition, housing, and living expenses, a significant increase from the $21 billion recorded in 2015–2016, underscoring their growing
financial impact on the American higher education system.
- As of the 2024–2025 rankings, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and France are considered the top five countries globally for education, according to U.S. News & World Report, which assesses systems based
on factors such as the quality of public education, university offerings, and perception. While Sweden is not currently in the top five, it remains a strong global contender, ranking ninth, and is widely respected for its equitable
and forward-thinking approach to education. Countries like Switzerland, Japan, Australia, and Denmark also consistently perform well in global education rankings, depending on the criteria used.
- As of 2024, college graduates earning a bachelor’s degree carry an average student loan debt of approximately $29,400, reflecting only a slight increase from the $29,000 average reported for the class of 2014. This modest rise
over a decade conceals deeper disparities, as students attending private institutions or pursuing advanced degrees often face significantly higher debt burdens due to escalating tuition and living costs.
- According to recent data, just under two-thirds of borrowers begin repaying their undergraduate student loans within one year of graduation.
This repayment rate reflects a mix of factors, including employment status, income level, and enrollment in deferment or income-driven repayment plans. While many borrowers start repayment promptly, others may delay due to
graduate school enrollment, financial hardship, or participation in grace periods and forbearance options. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown by income level, institution type, or repayment plan.
- According to a 2024 study of senior executives at Fortune 1000 companies, only 44% of those holding graduate business degrees earned them from a top 18 business school, and just 37% of executives with law degrees attended
a top 14 law school. While elite institutions can provide a competitive advantage, the data reveals that most American leaders with advanced degrees did not graduate from top 10 programs in their fields. Instead, many built
successful careers after studying at a diverse range of institutions—including public universities and regional colleges—emphasizing that professional achievement is shaped more by experience, leadership, and opportunity than
by academic pedigree alone.
- As of the 2024–2025 academic year, the average total cost of attendance—which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meals—has risen notably across all types of U.S. colleges and universities. For in-state students at
four-year public institutions, the annual cost averages around $29,910, while out-of-state students pay approximately $49,080. At two-year public colleges, in-state students face an average cost of about $20,570 per year.
Meanwhile, students attending private, nonprofit four-year colleges now pay an average of $62,990 annually. These figures reflect published sticker prices and don't account for financial aid or scholarships, which can
substantially lower what many students actually pay.
- As of 2024, tertiary education attainment has risen significantly among many developed nations, with South Korea leading at 69.7% of adults aged 25–34 holding a degree, followed by Canada at 66.4%, Japan at 64.8%,
and Russia at 62.1%. Other top performers include the United Kingdom (57.5%), Australia (54.3%), and the United States (51.2%), all maintaining strong standings in higher education. Israel sits at 46.0%, showing a slight
decline from its earlier position, while China, despite notable progress, still trails with 18.5% of adults aged 25–64 holding a tertiary qualification. These trends reflect ongoing investments in education and shifts
in global workforce demands, with several Asian and Western nations leading the charge.
- As of the 2024–2025 academic year, the average annual cost of attending a private nonprofit four-year college in the U.S.—including tuition, room, and board—has climbed to approximately $62,990, compared to $40,917 in 2013–14.
For public four-year colleges, the cost has risen from $18,391 to about $29,910 for in-state students, with out-of-state students paying around $49,080. These figures represent published sticker prices and don’t reflect the
impact of financial aid, which significantly reduces the net price for many students.
- As of the 2022–2023 academic year, U.S. universities awarded approximately 880,200 master’s degrees, up from around 750,000 in 2012, reflecting growing demand for advanced credentials in fields such as business, healthcare,
and technology. While updated rankings for 2024 are still pending, institutions like the University of Phoenix—despite declining numbers—continue to rank among the top degree producers, largely due to their online programs.
Columbia University awarded over 8,500 master’s degrees in recent years, maintaining its position among the top private nonprofits, while Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University each conferred between 4,000 and 5,000
degrees annually. Liberty University, with its expansive online offerings, and George Washington University, awarding between 3,900 and 4,200 degrees, also remain significant contributors to the graduate education landscape.
- The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) program, launched on December 21, 2012, allows eligible federal student loan borrowers to cap their monthly payments at 10% of their discretionary income, with any remaining balance forgiven
after 20 years of qualifying payments
- A study conducted by Harvard University found that for-profit colleges and universities enroll a higher proportion of minority, low-income, older, and non-traditional students—populations often drawn by flexible course
offerings such as online, evening, and weekend classes. While these institutions can offer important access to higher education, the study revealed that students attending for-profits tend to experience less favorable outcomes,
including higher unemployment and idleness rates, lower earnings, and significantly greater student debt and loan default rates compared to their counterparts at public or nonprofit colleges. Despite their efforts to serve
underserved communities, the findings raise concerns about the long-term value and financial impact of for-profit education.
- A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that job applicants with degrees from for-profit colleges—especially large online schools—receive significantly fewer callbacks than those from public institutions.
In business roles requiring a bachelor’s degree, resumes with for-profit credentials were 22% less likely to get a response. Similarly, for healthcare jobs not requiring credentials, those with public certificates saw higher
callback rates than applicants with for-profit certificates or no credentials at all. The findings highlight that employers often view for-profit degrees less favorably, particularly in reputation-sensitive fields.
- As of the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition and fees at for-profit colleges average approximately $16,030, up slightly from $15,130 in 2013–2014. In comparison, in-state students at two-year public colleges now pay
around $4,050, up from $3,264, while those at four-year public colleges face average tuition and fees of about $11,610, an increase from $8,893. These figures represent sticker prices and do not include financial aid, which
can significantly reduce actual costs for many students.
- While student loans have traditionally been excluded from discharge in bankruptcy—unlike credit card or mortgage debt—changes in 2024 have begun to ease these restrictions. Borrowers previously had to prove “undue hardship”
in a difficult and rarely successful process, but new guidelines from the Biden administration have streamlined this path, leading to a surge in approvals when the government supports the borrower’s claim. Additionally,
the proposed Student Borrower Bankruptcy Relief Act of 2024 aims to eliminate the undue hardship standard altogether, potentially allowing student loans to be discharged like other forms of consumer debt.
- As of the most recent data from the 2021–2022 academic year (the latest available), U.S. colleges and universities awarded approximately 375,400 bachelor’s degrees in business and 29,000 in mathematics.
That’s a notable shift from 2009, when 347,985 students earned business degrees and just 15,496 earned math degrees. While business remains the most popular undergraduate major, mathematics degrees have nearly doubled
over the past 15 years—reflecting growing interest in data science, analytics, and STEM careers.
- As of 2024, educational attainment in China has advanced substantially, with about 18.5% of adults aged 25–64 having completed tertiary education—up from just 9% in 2012 and 3.6% in 2000. The growth is even more pronounced
among younger adults, reflecting the country's significant investments in higher education. In contrast, the United States continues to lead, with approximately 51.2% of adults aged 25–34 holding a tertiary degree and more than
60% of the adult population having at least some college experience, highlighting a wider and more entrenched culture of higher education participation.
- As of 2024, admissions data for New York City’s specialized high schools—accessed through the SHSAT—continues to reveal significant racial disparities. Out of roughly 25,678 test takers, about 4,072 students (15.9%)
received offers. Asian students secured over 50% of these offers, while white students received around 27.8%. In contrast, Black students were offered just 4.5% of seats and Hispanic students 7.6%, though both figures reflect slight
increases from the previous year. Despite initiatives like the Discovery Program aimed at enhancing diversity, the reliance on a single test score has continued to yield uneven outcomes across racial and ethnic groups.
- Attending college continues to be a strong investment, with lifetime wealth accumulation closely tied to educational attainment. On average, individuals with a professional degree amass about $4.7 million over their careers,
followed by those with doctoral degrees at $4.0 million, master’s degrees at $3.2 million, and bachelor’s degrees at $2.8 million. Earnings decline further for those with less education: associate’s degree holders average $2.0 million,
those with some college but no degree reach around $1.9 million, high school graduates accumulate about $1.6 million, and individuals with less than a high school diploma average $1.2 million. These figures underscore the substantial
financial advantage of higher education over a lifetime.
- By 2025, it's projected that about 65% of all jobs in the U.S. will require some form of postsecondary education, which includes associate degrees, certificates, and other training beyond high school—not just bachelor’s degrees.
This figure, often cited from a 2013 Georgetown University report, is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that 65% of jobs will require a bachelor's degree or higher, when in fact, more recent estimates suggest only about 42% of
positions will need at least a bachelor’s degree by 2031, highlighting the continued relevance of various education paths in the evolving job market.
- As of 2024, the average student loan debt for graduates with a four-year bachelor’s degree in the U.S. is approximately $29,400, reflecting a steady increase driven by rising tuition and living costs. This figure includes both
federal and private loans and applies to those who borrowed—about half of all graduates—making it notably higher than the $25,250 figure from previous years.
- Each year, only about 1,700 to 2,000 U.S. students are awarded full-ride scholarships that cover all college expenses—making them exceptionally rare, benefiting just 0.1% of the student population. For international students,
these opportunities are even more limited, typically available through prestigious and highly competitive programs such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program or select university-funded scholarships at elite institutions.
As a result, most international students finance their education through a mix of partial scholarships, graduate assistantships, or personal and family contributions.
- As of 2024, fewer than 45% of students at four-year colleges in the U.S. graduate on time—that is, within four years of starting. The more commonly cited six-year graduation rate stands at about 61% overall, with higher success
rates at public universities (71%) and private nonprofit institutions (76%). In contrast, for-profit four-year colleges continue to struggle, with an average six-year graduation rate around 36%. So while 58% may reflect a broader
or extended timeframe, it overstates the percentage of students who graduate within the traditional four-year period.
- In the 2019–2020 academic year, 59% of white students at private nonprofit institutions received institutional or private scholarships, compared to 53% of Hispanic students and 51% of Black students. This disparity is
often linked to unequal access to key resources, such as college counseling, dedicated time to complete applications, and familiarity with the scholarship landscape—factors that tend to advantage white and Asian students.
However, efforts to reduce this gap have shown encouraging results: when underrepresented students are proactively informed about scholarship opportunities, they are significantly more likely to apply and ultimately receive
financial support.
- As of 2024, most U.S. states still do not permit graduates of fully online, non-ABA-accredited law schools to sit for the bar exam, which is essential for becoming a licensed attorney. The American Bar Association (ABA),
which accredits nearly all law schools recognized for bar eligibility, has only recently started approving some hybrid J.D. programs but has yet to fully accredit entirely online institutions. However, a few states—such as
California, Indiana, and Connecticut—allow exceptions, enabling graduates from specific online schools like Purdue Global Law School to take their bar exams. While discussions are underway within the ABA to consider changes
to these accreditation standards, fully online law school graduates currently face significant restrictions in the majority of states..
- In 2012, Herguan University—an unaccredited institution based in Sunnyvale, California—was served with a Notice of Intent to Withdraw
its certification from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) due to concerns over visa fraud. Jerry Wang, the university’s CEO, was indicted that same year on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit visa fraud,
use of false documents, and aggravated identity theft. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to submitting a false document to the Department of Homeland Security and admitted to participating in a broader visa fraud scheme involving
over 100 falsified documents. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, ordered to forfeit $700,000, and placed under three years of supervised release.
- In 2011, Tri-Valley University (TVU), an unaccredited institution in Pleasanton, California, was raided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
after being exposed as a front for visa fraud and illegal immigration, enrolling hundreds of mostly Indian international students without conducting legitimate academic operations. Its founder and president, Susan Xiao-Ping Su,
was indicted by a federal grand jury on 33 counts, including visa fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and harboring undocumented immigrants. She was convicted on 31 of those counts and, in 2014, sentenced to 16.5 years in prison,
ordered to forfeit $5.6 million, and pay over $900,000 in restitution—marking one of the most prominent cases of student visa system abuse in the U.S.
- In July 2011, the University of Northern Virginia (UNVA), an unaccredited for-profit institution in Annandale, Virginia, was raided by U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to concerns about visa compliance and documentation practices, leading to a notice of intent to withdraw its authorization to admit international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program
(SEVP). The university had previously lost its accreditation in 2008 and continued operating under temporary approvals. After further regulatory scrutiny and repeated failure to meet accreditation standards, the State Council of
Higher Education for Virginia ordered UNVA to cease operations on July 16, 2013.
- According to the 2012 Harkin Report—a comprehensive investigation by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee—the average cost of earning an associate degree or certificate at for-profit
colleges was approximately four times higher than at comparable programs offered by community colleges or public universities. The report highlighted that tuition at for-profit institutions was often set based on the maximum
federal aid available, rather than the actual cost of instruction, contributing to significantly higher student debt burdens.
- Following its peak in 2010–2011, when the University of Phoenix received approximately $1.2 billion in Pell Grant funding, the amount has steadily declined due to falling enrollment and increased federal oversight of
for-profit institutions. By the late 2010s, annual disbursements were estimated to have dropped below $500 million, with continued decreases into the 2020s as enrollment numbers plummeted from over 400,000 students to
fewer than 100,000.
- As of 2024, for-profit colleges continue to allocate a significant portion of their revenue to marketing, recruiting, and profits, while comparatively less is spent on instruction—mirroring patterns highlighted in the 2012 Harkin Report,
which found averages of 22.4% for marketing and recruiting, 19.4% for profits, and just 17.7% for instruction among 30 such institutions. Although updated breakdowns are limited, recent data suggests these trends persist. CEO compensation
in the sector also remains substantial, though not always as extreme as in 2009 when Strayer Education’s chief executive earned about $41 million; more recently, executive pay varies widely, with some for-profit education CEOs still earning
in the multimillion-dollar range, especially where stock options or profit-based incentives are involved.
- For-profit colleges in the U.S. are governed by two key accountability measures: the 90/10 rule and the gainful employment regulations. Under the 90/10 rule, these institutions must obtain at least 10% of their revenue from
non-federal sources, and as of 2023, this includes military and veteran education benefits, closing a previous loophole. Violating the rule for two consecutive years results in the loss of access to federal student aid.
Additionally, gainful employment regulations—effective July 1, 2024—require for-profit programs to meet specific debt-to-earnings and earnings threshold metrics to retain federal funding eligibility. Programs that fail both
standards for two consecutive years will become ineligible for federal aid starting in 2026, ensuring that students are not burdened with unaffordable debt and poor job prospects.
- While many for-profit colleges operate primarily online and emphasize job-specific training in fields like business administration, medical billing, and web design, it's an oversimplification to say that most fail to meet
accreditation standards or that their degrees are generally unrecognized. While some for-profits have faced scrutiny for lacking proper accreditation or maintaining lower academic standards, many do hold accreditation from U.S.
Department of Education–approved agencies—though the rigor of national versus regional accreditation can affect credit transferability and employer perception. The academic quality of online programs varies significantly and depends
more on the institution than the delivery method, meaning that not all online or for-profit programs are academically inferior to traditional schools.
- About 13% of students at community colleges and roughly 48% at four-year public universities take out federal student loans, largely due to their comparatively lower tuition and wider availability of grant aid.
In stark contrast, approximately 96% of students at for-profit institutions borrow to finance their education, reflecting higher tuition costs, fewer institutional scholarships, and a student population that often lacks access to
other financial resources. These disparities in borrowing rates have contributed to ongoing concerns about student debt burdens and accountability within the for-profit education sector.
- During his leadership of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Tom Harkin raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving national accrediting agencies such as the Accrediting
Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which accredits many for-profit colleges. The 2012 Harkin Report highlighted that agencies like ACCSC were funded in part by the same institutions they were responsible for evaluating,
leading to questions about the impartiality and rigor of the accreditation process. While this funding model is common and not illegal, Harkin argued it may compromise accountability, particularly when accreditors continued to
approve schools with poor student outcomes, high loan default rates, and questionable practices.
- For-profit colleges such as the University of Phoenix, Everest Institute, and Potomac College have often drawn in students with lower levels of prior education, prompting federal investigations into their business practices.
These schools have been accused of exploiting financially vulnerable individuals by aggressively helping them secure federal student aid—sometimes encouraging the use of private loans requiring family co-signers despite the
students being adults—and leaving many saddled with substantial debt and degrees of questionable value. Government scrutiny has focused on deceptive recruitment tactics, inflated promises of job placement, and the disproportionate
impact such practices have had on low-income and first-generation college students.
- Roughly 30% of U.S. college students who take out student loans end up dropping out before completing their degrees, leaving many with debt but without the credentials needed to boost their earning potential. These students owe
an average of about $14,000 in federal loans and often cite financial hardship, including tuition and living expenses, as a key reason for leaving school. Without a degree, they are significantly more likely to default on their loans,
which can lead to long-term financial instability and reduced creditworthiness—highlighting a major challenge in the U.S. higher education system.
- Students from families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 are often more likely to receive merit-based scholarships compared to those from families earning less than $50,000, due in part to advantages such as better access to
academic resources, extracurricular activities, and college counseling. However, students from lower-income families are typically more eligible for need-based aid—including Pell Grants and targeted scholarships—though they remain
underrepresented among recipients of private scholarships. While middle-income students may secure more merit-based awards, low-income students often receive greater total financial support when accounting for all forms of need-based aid.
- In recent years, women have made up only 14% to 18% of computer science majors in the U.S., depending on how the discipline is categorized. This marks a significant drop from the mid-1980s, when over 35%
of computer science degrees were awarded to women. While numerous initiatives have emerged to promote gender diversity in tech, women remain markedly underrepresented in computer science programs, highlighting persistent
gaps in inclusion and access.
- Adult education programs are designed primarily to help adults build essential foundational skills, such as literacy, basic math, or English language proficiency, and often prepare them for high school equivalency tests
like the GED; in contrast, continuing education targets adults who already have a basic educational background and are looking to advance their knowledge, gain professional certifications, explore new career opportunities,
or enrich personal interests through specialized courses in areas like business, technology, or healthcare.
- As of 2025, while over half of U.S. teachers (about 51%) hold master's degrees, their average national starting salary remains comparatively low at approximately $46,526. In contrast, entry-level computer programmers
typically earn around $64,974, public accountants start between $57,250 and $70,250 depending on their specialization, and registered nurses begin at an average of $87,282. These disparities highlight the significant income
gap between the teaching profession and other fields that often require similar or even lower levels of formal education or training.
- In the United States, degrees or training certificates from unaccredited institutions are generally not recognized by the federal government, most employers, or accredited academic programs. While these institutions
may hold licenses issued by local or state authorities that allow them to enroll students, operate legally, or even support international student visa applications, this legal status does not equate to educational
legitimacy. Many of these schools lack formal accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, rendering their degrees essentially worthless in most professional and academic settings.
The country is home to hundreds of unaccredited colleges, seminaries, and universities—some of which are fraudulent diploma mills, while others may be religious or ideological institutions that voluntarily
forgo accreditation—yet all typically face limited recognition and credibility.
- During the 2023–2024 academic year, the United States hosted approximately 1,126,690 international students, a significant increase from the 691,000 reported in 2009–2010. India and China topped the list, with 331,602
and 277,398 students respectively, followed by South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada—together accounting for the majority of international enrollment. The universities attracting the largest numbers of international students
included New York University, Northeastern University, and Columbia University, each hosting well over 10,000 students. Roughly 40% of international students in the U.S. pursue degrees in STEM-related fields, with engineering,
math and computer science, physical and life sciences, and business and management remaining the most popular areas of study.
- In the 2022–2023 academic year, approximately 280,716 American students studied abroad for academic credit, showing continued recovery from pandemic-related declines. Italy remained the most popular destination,
hosting over 41,000 U.S. students, followed by the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Ireland, which together accounted for about 45% of all study abroad participants. Other frequently chosen countries included Japan,
South Korea, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Argentina, South Africa, China, Costa Rica, Germany, and Australia. Most students pursued short-term programs of eight weeks or less, with fields of study concentrated in business
and management, social sciences, STEM disciplines, and foreign languages.
- By January 2009, Michael Nicholson—a devoted lifelong learner from Kalamazoo, Michigan—had amassed an extraordinary 27 college degrees, including 1 doctorate, 20 master’s degrees, 1 bachelor’s degree, 2 associate’s degrees,
and 3 specialist’s degrees. Over the course of 50 years as a full-time or part-time student, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education, earning 12 of his degrees from Western Michigan University alone. Remarkably,
his academic journey wasn’t over; even at that time, he continued to pursue additional degrees with the same passion that had defined his lifelong quest for knowledge.
- While majors like Religion, Film, Latin, English Literature, Dance, Music Therapy, American Studies, and Art History are sometimes labeled as "worthless" due to their lower average starting salaries or fewer
direct career paths, this characterization overlooks their broader value. These fields cultivate highly transferable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and cultural understanding—qualities
prized across industries like education, publishing, marketing, nonprofit work, and even tech. Although graduates may face a less linear job market compared to those in STEM or business, success often hinges more on how
individuals apply their education than on the major itself.
- Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, banned pork products from its dining facilities as part of a health-conscious initiative aimed at combating conditions like hypertension and
obesity that disproportionately affect its student population, replacing pork with healthier alternatives and even repurposing its football field into an urban farm. Additionally, the college enforces a business casual dress
code between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with violations resulting in consequences such as community service, a $100 fine, or participation in the President’s Runners Club, which involves jogging with the college president early
on a Saturday morning—all part of its mission to instill professionalism, pride, and wellness in its students.
- Most American colleges and universities accept more courses and grant more credit from the Advanced Placement (AP) program than from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, largely because AP is more widely
available and better aligned with the U.S. education system. While over 22,000 U.S. high schools offer AP courses, fewer than 1,000 offer the full IB Diploma Program, making AP more familiar to admissions offices. Colleges
typically award credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher, whereas IB credit is usually limited to Higher Level (HL) courses with scores of 5 to 7. Although both programs are valued for their academic rigor, AP tends to
offer greater flexibility, while IB is often recognized for its comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach—especially in international or holistic admissions contexts.
- As of 2025, approximately 19.25 million students are enrolled in degree-granting institutions across the United States, slightly surpassing the 2009 total of 18.4 million. Among them, around 7.9 million attend
public four-year colleges and universities, 4.8 million are enrolled in public two-year institutions (community colleges), 4.1 million study at private four-year institutions, and roughly 0.6 million attend private
two-year colleges. This distribution reflects a gradual rebound from pandemic-era enrollment declines, with public institutions accounting for about 73% of all college students and community colleges experiencing
renewed interest, particularly among adult learners and those seeking short-term credentials.
- As of 2025, women account for approximately 57% of all undergraduate students in the United States, with about 10.9 million enrolled compared to 8.3 million men. At the graduate level, the trend persists,
with women comprising roughly 59% to 60% of enrolled students, varying slightly by institution and program. This gender disparity has been widening for decades, and women now earn the majority of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s,
and doctoral degrees nationwide. The shift reflects broader changes in educational attainment and workforce participation, and the data can be further broken down by field of study or demographic group if desired.
- Benjamin Bradley Bolger, born in 1975, is a self-described perpetual
student who, as of 2022, had earned 16 college degrees, including 14 advanced degrees across fields such as sociology, education, urban planning, and creative writing—not solely modern history. He holds a bachelor’s degree
and an associate’s degree as well, and has studied at institutions like Oxford, Stanford, and Harvard. While Bolger is often noted as second only to Michael W. Nicholson—who holds 30 degrees, including 23 master’s degrees and
one doctorate—his academic journey is exceptionally diverse and ongoing, with the possibility that he may eventually surpass Nicholson in total degrees earned.
- Finland stands out globally for its innovative and equitable approach to education for its emphasis on no standardized testing, teacher excellence, shorter school days, focus on equity, and student autonomy.
Except for one national exam at the end of high school, students are not burdened with constant tests. All teachers must have a master's degree, and they are highly respected in society.
Students spend fewer hours in school, allowing time for play, hobbies, and family. The system emphasizes equal opportunities for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Classrooms encourage critical thinking,
creativity, and self-directed learning.
- South Korea's education system is indeed remarkable and has garnered global attention for rigorous curriculum, high literacy rates, intense competition, private academies, and parental involvement.
Its school system places a strong emphasis on math, science, and language skills, which are foundational for its students' success. Nearly universal literacy is achieved through effective primary education
and widespread access to learning resources. Academic excellence is highly valued, often driven by a culture that prioritizes education and hard work. Many students attend supplementary institutions
after school for additional instruction. Parents are deeply invested in their children's education, often playing an active role in their academic journey.
- Denmark's education system is celebrated for its emphasis on critical thinking, collaborative learning, flexible curriculum, and equal opportunities. Schools encourage students to question, analyze,
and approach problems creatively, fostering a spirit of innovation. Teamwork and group projects are integral, teaching students how to work effectively with others. Students have the freedom to explore interests
and make independent choices, promoting intrinsic motivation. Education is free, including higher education, ensuring accessibility for all.
- The Netherlands truly strikes an impressive balance between academic success and prioritizing student well-being, and is known for its student-centered approach, including bilingual focus, tailored learning,
holistic approach, interactive teaching, and encouraging autonomy. Students excel in languages, with many schools offering programs in both Dutch and English. Students are placed into educational tracks
based on their abilities and interests, ensuring personalized paths for growth. Schools emphasize mental health and well-being, fostering a supportive and stress-free environment. Lessons often involve active
discussions and experiential learning, making education engaging and practical. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, nurturing independence and critical thinking.
- As per the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023, the highest level of education of the population
age 25 and older in the United States ranged from less than high school to advanced degrees beyond a bachelor’s degree.
- 14% had completed advanced education such as a master’s degree, professional degree or doctorate.
- 23% had a bachelor’s degree as their highest degree.
- 10% had an associate degree as their highest level of school completed.
- 15% had completed some college but not a degree.
- 28% had high school as their highest level of school completed.
- 9% had less than a high school diploma or equivalent.
- In the 2022 PISA assessment, U.S. 15-year-old students lagged behind their international peers, ranking below 25 countries in mathematics,
5 in reading, and 9 in science. While their scores in reading and science were above the OECD average, math performance was among the lowest the U.S. has ever recorded. Since PISA assessments occur
every three years—with the next one slated for 2025—no updated results are available for 2023 or 2024.
- As of the 2019–2020 school year, the U.S. had approximately 128,961 K–12 schools, including 98,469 public and 30,492 private schools. By 2025, that number declined to about 115,171 schools nationwide, with 95,852
public and 19,329 private institutions. This decrease reflects broader trends such as declining student enrollment, school consolidations—particularly in rural areas—and the growing shift toward charter, virtual,
and alternative education models.
- The City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, India, holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest school in the world by enrollment, with over 61,000 students across 21 campuses as of 2023. On the other end of
the spectrum, the smallest known school is located in Alpette, a tiny town near Turin, Italy, where in 2014, a single student named Sofia Viola was taught by one teacher. These two schools highlight the incredible
diversity in global education settings.
- As of 2025, the U.S. high school graduation rate stands at approximately 87%, reflecting steady improvement over recent decades and ongoing efforts to enhance student outcomes. While precise national figures for
ninth-grade reading proficiency are difficult to pinpoint—since major assessments focus on other grade levels—available data suggests that more than half of students enter high school reading below grade level.
For example, recent NAEP scores show that around 66% of fourth graders and 60% of eighth graders are not proficient in reading, supporting the estimate that many ninth graders face similar challenges, particularly
in underserved communities.
- Students in high-poverty and minority-majority schools in the U.S. are significantly more likely to be taught by inexperienced or uncertified teachers. National data and state-level reports consistently show that
these students are about twice as likely to have a teacher with less than three years of experience and are up to 61%—or even four times—more likely in some regions to be assigned an uncertified or out-of-field teacher.
These disparities reflect persistent systemic inequities in staffing, funding, and support across different school communities.
- As of 2025, the national high school graduation rate in the U.S. has risen to about 89.4%, reflecting steady progress across most student groups; however, significant disparities remain. While approximately 93%
of white students and up to 96.3% of Asian/Pacific Islander students graduate on time, the rates are lower for other groups: around 88%–91% for Hispanic students, 85%–89% for Black or African American students,
and 83%–87% for American Indian and Alaska Native students. These differences highlight ongoing challenges related to equity, access to quality education, and broader socioeconomic factors.
- As of 2025, individuals in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree are projected to earn between $2.2 million and $4.1 million over their lifetimes, significantly outpacing the estimated $1.1 million to $2.2 million
earned by those with only a high school diploma. These figures highlight the substantial long-term financial benefits of higher education, though actual earnings vary by field of study, occupation, and demographic factors.
- People can make much more money by earning a college degree; a person with a Bachelor's degree will earn, on average, almost twice as much as workers with a high school diploma. For example, as of 2025, full-time workers
in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly income of $1,754, while those with only a high school diploma earn about $953 per week. That’s an 84% increase—nearly double—highlighting the substantial wage premium
associated with higher education.
- As of 2025, high school dropouts in the U.S. earn significantly less over their lifetimes compared to those with higher educational attainment. On average, a high school dropout earns about $260,000 less than someone
who completes high school. When compared to college graduates, the gap widens dramatically—dropouts can earn around $800,000 to $1.6 million less over a lifetime, depending on the field and degree level. These disparities
reflect not only differences in wages but also in employment opportunities, job stability, and access to benefits. Education continues to be one of the strongest predictors of long-term earning potential.
- As of the early 2020s, approximately 2 million students aged 16 to 24 in the U.S. are classified as status dropouts—meaning they are not enrolled in school and have not earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
This translates to a status dropout rate of about 5.3% in 2022, with higher rates among certain racial and ethnic groups.
- McGuffey's Readers, first published in 1836, were a widely used series of graded textbooks that guided students from basic phonics to advanced literature and moral instruction. Compiled by William Holmes McGuffey
and later his brother Alexander, the books featured stories, poems, and excerpts from classics, promoting values like character and civic duty. With over 120 million copies sold, they became a cornerstone of American
education through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- William Holmes McGuffey (1800–1873), a U.S. educator and clergyman, is best known for creating the McGuffey Readers,
the first widely adopted series of illustrated textbooks for elementary education in America. Designed to teach literacy alongside moral and civic values, these graded readers guided students from learning the alphabet
to interpreting advanced literature. More than 120 million copies were sold between 1836 and 1960, making the series one of the most influential in American history. McGuffey, who had a deep commitment to educating
children, also played a key role in organizing Ohio’s public school system and held academic leadership roles at institutions including Cincinnati College and Ohio University.
- Countries such as Canada, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Japan, New Zealand, Shanghai (China), Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan are consistently recognized for having top-performing K–12
education systems, often leading international rankings like PISA in math, science, and reading. Meanwhile, when considering the overall strength of education systems from primary school through university, countries
including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, and the Netherlands are frequently ranked highest, thanks to their combination of quality early education and
globally respected higher education institutions.
- According to a global study by the Varkey Foundation, parents in emerging economies
tend to spend more time helping their children with homework than those in wealthier nations. Indian parents lead with an average of 12 hours per week, followed by Vietnam at 10.2 hours. In contrast, parents in the U.S. and
Poland each average 6.2 hours, while those in the UK, Finland, and Japan contribute just 3.6, 3.1, and 2.6 hours respectively. The study also found that parental education plays a significant role: better-educated parents are
more likely to assist regularly, while 39% of those with only primary schooling provide no homework help at all.
- Students from affluent backgrounds tend to spend fewer hours on homework each week compared to their less
privileged peers, largely due to access to private tutors, structured homeschooling, or other educational supports that reduce the need for traditional assignments. Globally, China (particularly Shanghai) tops the list for
homework load, with teens averaging 13.8 hours per week, followed by Russia at 9.7 hours. In contrast, American students spend about 6.1 hours weekly, while students in Finland and South Korea report much lower
averages—2.8 and 2.9 hours respectively—despite strong academic outcomes, especially in Finland’s case, where the education system emphasizes efficiency and well-being over excessive workload.
- As of 2025 in New York City, starting salaries have increased in both law and education, though a large gap remains: first-year associates at prestigious law firms earn a base salary of $225,000, often reaching
around $245,000 with bonuses, while entry-level public school teachers make $68,902 with a bachelor's degree and $77,455 with a master’s degree. Despite raises in both sectors, new lawyers at elite firms still make
nearly three times more than newly hired teachers, highlighting the stark contrast in compensation between the professions.
- Globally, around 53% of out-of-school children are girls, and two-thirds of the world's illiterate adults are women—a reflection of persistent gender disparities in access to education. Studies also show that education
strongly influences family size: less-educated women have an average of 2.5 to 3 children over their lifetimes, whereas more-educated women, particularly those with secondary or higher education, have fewer—averaging
about 1.7 children—highlighting how education correlates with family planning, health awareness, and economic opportunity.
- As of 2022, 90.1% of Black adults and 95.2% of non-Hispanic White adults in the U.S. ages 25 and older had completed high school or earned an equivalent credential, reflecting significant progress since 1964,
when just 27% of Black adults and 51% of White adults held diplomas. Based on this upward trend, by 2025 it's projected that over 91% of Black adults and around 96% of White adults will have completed high school,
highlighting continued gains in educational attainment while still pointing to areas where opportunity gaps remain.
- As of 2025, approximately 763 million adults worldwide remain illiterate, with nearly two-thirds being women, reflecting ongoing gender disparities in education. Women aged 15 and older are about 7.3% less likely to be
literate than men, while among youth aged 15–24, young women have a 2.3% lower literacy rate than their male peers—down from a 4% gap in 2015. These trends show gradual progress, particularly among younger generations,
but also underscore the continued need for investment in equitable education opportunities, especially in underserved and conflict-affected regions.
- Stephanie Mui, a math prodigy from Virginia, reached remarkable academic milestones at an early age. After completing fifth grade, she began college courses at Northern Virginia Community College and earned her
associate degree by 13. By 2015, she enrolled at George Mason University as a junior, completing her bachelor’s in mathematics in 2016 and her master’s in 2017—all before finishing high school. Maintaining a near-perfect GPA,
Mui began her Ph.D. in mathematics at NYU that fall on a full research fellowship. As of 2025, she is a Hale Visiting Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech, contributing to research and teaching in mathematical analysis.
Her story is a testament to the power of early academic acceleration, driven by discipline, curiosity, and a clear sense of purpose.
- In 1988, at just 13 years old, Terence Tao became the youngest gold medalist in the history of the International Mathematical Olympiad—a record that still stands.
By 16, he had earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Flinders University. Awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 1992, he moved to the United States to pursue doctoral studies, completing his PhD in mathematics
at Princeton University at age 21 under the mentorship of renowned mathematician Elias Stein. Now, in 2025, Tao is a professor at UCLA and continues to shape the frontiers of mathematics, widely regarded as one of the most brilliant
and prolific minds in the field.
- Girls have historically been underrepresented at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), typically comprising only about 10–13% of participants in recent years, with countries like the United States sending mostly male teams
for decades—between 1974 and 2015, for instance, 88% of U.S. teams were all-male. Globally, only around 3.2% of all gold medalists in IMO history have been female. This persistent gender gap has led to the creation of events like the
European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO), which aim to empower young women in mathematics and increase their participation in high-level competitions.
- As of the 2024–25 academic year, the average cost of attending college in the U.S. has climbed steeply, with private nonprofit four-year colleges averaging $62,990 annually—including $43,350 for tuition and fees, $15,250
for room and board, and roughly $4,390 in other expenses—while public four-year colleges cost about $30,631 for in-state students, factoring in $12,460 for tuition, $12,719 for room and board, and around $5,452 in additional costs;
out-of-state public college students face a higher average total cost of $37,723, underscoring a more than 50% increase for private institutions and over 66% for public colleges since the 2013–14 academic year. During the 2013–14
academic year, the average cost of tuition, room and board at a private nonprofit four-year college and at a public four-year college were $40,917 and $18,391, respectively.
- According to the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), U.S. students ranked 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science, with their performance among the 35 OECD member nations placing them 30th
in math and 19th in science—below average in math and roughly average in science. The latest PISA results from 2022 reveal continued inconsistencies: U.S. students scored 465 in math, ranking 28th out of 37 OECD countries and falling
13 points from 2018, while science scores remained stable at 499, earning a 12th-place ranking above the OECD average of 485. In reading, U.S. students performed comparatively well with a score of 504, placing 13th and surpassing
the OECD average of 476. Overall, the findings underscore persistent struggles in math education alongside relative strengths in science and reading.
- As of 2024, the educational attainment gap between foreign-born and native-born adults in the U.S. labor force aged 25 and over has narrowed but remains evident: 18.1% of foreign-born workers have not completed high school compared
to just 3.2% of native-born workers, while only 15% of foreign-born adults have some college or an associate degree versus 27% of their native-born counterparts. However, a significant gain is seen in higher education, with 41.3% of
foreign-born workers now holding a bachelor’s degree or higher—up from 33.8% in 2013—approaching the 45.3% rate among native-born workers and reflecting meaningful progress toward educational parity at the upper end of the spectrum.
- In 2024, SAT results revealed that just 39% of test-takers met both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math college readiness benchmarks. A closer look shows 62% met the ERW benchmark, 41% met the Math benchmark,
and 36% met neither—underscoring persistent gaps in academic preparedness. The average composite score was 1024, comprising 519 in ERW and 505 in Math, reflecting modest gains in reading and writing but continued challenges in
mathematics performance.
- Online course completion rates remain low on average, typically ranging from 4% to 15% depending on the course, platform, and how completion is measured; self-paced or massive open online courses (MOOCs) tend to have especially
low rates, often around 4–10%, while courses that incorporate interactive elements, coaching, or strong community support can see completion rates rise dramatically—to 70% or even 85% in some structured professional programs,
according to studies like those cited by Harvard Business Review, highlighting how design and engagement strategies significantly influence learner success.
- As of the 2024–2025 school year, the U.S. had approximately 7,800 charter schools operating in 47 states and the District of Columbia, serving about 3.7 million students—roughly 7.5% of the nation’s public school population.
This marks significant growth from the 2012–2013 school year, when there were 6,000 charter schools serving 2.3 million students in 42 states and D.C. According to a 2023 study by Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO),
charter schools have shown improved academic performance, with students gaining an average of 6 additional days of learning in math per year compared to their peers in traditional public schools; Black and Hispanic students in charter
schools posted even stronger gains, with up to 29 and 19 additional learning days in math respectively, although rural charter schools and those serving students with special needs demonstrated weaker outcomes.
- In the U.S., teacher attrition remains a persistent challenge, with around 11–14% of new teachers leaving the profession by the end of their first year, roughly 30–33% exiting within three years, and nearly 44%—or almost half—departing
within five years, according to widely cited research. These early departures are often linked to factors such as low salaries, burnout, limited mentorship, and difficult working conditions, which continue to strain teacher retention
efforts across the country.
- As of the 2024 SHSAT admissions cycle in New York City, disparities in offer rates by race and ethnicity persisted: although Black and Hispanic students constituted a substantial portion of test-takers, only 4.5% and 7.6%, respectively,
received offers—an incremental improvement from earlier years but still far below their representation in the student population. In contrast, white students received about 27% of offers despite a smaller share of test-takers,
and Asian students continued to dominate admissions, receiving over 50% of offers while comprising a relatively modest portion of the citywide student body. Out of approximately 25,700 students who took the SHSAT,
around 4,100—or 15.9%—were offered seats at one of the eight testing-based specialized high schools, continuing long-standing debates over equity, access, and the future of selective public education in the city.
- As of 2024, the five-year attrition rate for public school teachers in the U.S. remains high, with studies indicating that approximately 44% of teachers leave the profession within their first five years—a figure nearly unchanged
from the 46% reported in 2011. This persistent turnover is driven by factors such as burnout, low pay, lack of support, and challenging working conditions. Newer teachers are especially vulnerable, being over twice as likely to quit
compared to their more experienced peers. Despite growing awareness, the issue continues to strain schools nationwide.
- As of 2025, Americans are projected to spend a record-breaking $6.8 billion on graduation gifts, reflecting a strong tradition of celebrating academic milestones. On average, each person is expected to spend approximately $119.54
on gifts for high school or college graduates, signaling both the emotional and economic significance of this rite of passage.
- As of 2025, there are approximately 15.6 million public school students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in the United States. This reflects a modest decline from the 16.3 million reported in 2010, largely due to demographic shifts
such as lower birth rates and changing enrollment patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic. While overall K–12 enrollment has dipped slightly in recent years, high school enrollment has remained relatively stable compared to sharper
declines in earlier grades. Let me know if you'd like a breakdown by state or demographic group.
- As of 2025, the U.S. education system includes approximately 99,000 public elementary and secondary schools employing around 3.3 million teachers who serve about 50 million students, with roughly 35 million enrolled in
pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and about 14.8 million in grades 9 through 12; an additional 5.8 million students attend private schools nationwide. While these figures may vary slightly depending on data sources and
reporting criteria, they accurately reflect the broad scale and composition of the American K–12 education landscape.
- In the 2024–2025 academic year, nearly 3.9 million students are expected to graduate from high school across the United States, marking a peak in national graduation numbers, according to projections from the Western Interstate
Commission for Higher Education (WICHE); this total includes approximately 3.33 million graduates from public high schools and about 560,000 from private high schools. This represents a notable increase from the 2009–2010 school year,
when roughly 3.33 million students graduated—3.01 million from public schools and 321,000 from private institutions—reflecting both population growth and higher graduation rates over time.
- As of October 2024, 62.8% of recent U.S. high school graduates enrolled in college, marking a decline from the 68.6% college enrollment rate recorded in 2008. The gender gap in enrollment persists, with 69.5% of female graduates
continuing on to college—slightly down from 71.5% in 2008—while only 55.4% of male graduates enrolled, reflecting a sharper drop from 65.9%. These shifts highlight ongoing changes in postsecondary participation, influenced by factors
such as rising tuition costs, evolving perceptions of higher education’s value, and increasing interest in alternative career pathways.
- Adult education typically refers to programs that help individuals build foundational skills they may have missed earlier in life—such as literacy, basic math, or earning a high school equivalency diploma—serving as
a second-chance opportunity for personal and professional development. In contrast, continuing education is aimed at adults who already possess a baseline level of education and wish to further their knowledge or skills, often for
career advancement, certification, or personal enrichment through courses like professional training, university extensions, or hobby-based learning.
- As of 2025, around 51% of K–12 teachers in public and private schools hold a master’s degree, reflecting the profession’s strong educational foundation. Despite this, the average national starting salary for teachers
is approximately $46,526—substantially lower than other professions requiring similar qualifications. For comparison, entry-level computer programmers earn about $64,974, public accounting professionals typically start
between $57,250 and $70,250, and registered nurses begin with an average starting salary of roughly $88,416. This gap underscores the persistent compensation challenges faced by educators relative to other skilled fields.
- As of 2025, U.S. teachers work an average of 49 to 53 hours per week, which includes both instructional time and non-compensated school-related responsibilities such as grading, supervising buses, attending meetings,
planning lessons, and advising extracurricular activities. Of those hours, roughly 12 to 13 each week are unpaid, reflecting the significant out-of-classroom commitments that many educators undertake to support their students and
school communities beyond the standard workday.
- Nearly 50% of new teachers in the U.S. leave the profession within their first five years, a figure supported by research from the University of Pennsylvania showing a 44% attrition rate, and surveys indicate that low pay
is a key reason for this early departure; in fact, 37% of teachers who do not intend to remain in teaching until retirement cite inadequate compensation as a major factor behind their decision to leave, highlighting the financial
pressures that contribute to educator burnout and turnover.
- As of 2025, there are approximately 15.6 million public school students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in the United States. This reflects a modest decline from the 16.3 million reported in 2010, largely due to demographic
shifts such as lower birth rates and changing enrollment patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic. While overall K–12 enrollment has dipped slightly in recent years, high school enrollment has remained relatively stable compared
to sharper declines in earlier grades.
- As of 2025, the U.S. education system comprises approximately 95,852 public elementary and secondary schools staffed by around 3.14 million teachers serving about 49.5 million students, with roughly 33.9 million enrolled
in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and 15.6 million in grades 9 through 12; an additional 5.8 million students attend private schools, supported by roughly 470,000 private school teachers. While your earlier figures were
quite close, these updated numbers offer a more precise snapshot of the nation's K–12 educational landscape.
- As of 2025, approximately 3.7 million students in the United States are homeschooled, more than double the number from 2007. This surge reflects a significant shift in educational preferences, especially following
the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated interest in home-based learning. Homeschoolers now make up about 6.7% to 7.6% of the total K–12 student population, depending on the source and time of year. The growth has been
especially notable among families seeking personalized instruction, safer learning environments, or alternatives to traditional curricula.
- As of 2025, girls account for approximately 52% to 53% of the world’s out-of-school children, with the disparity particularly evident in crisis-affected and low-income regions where barriers such as poverty, early marriage,
and gender-based violence disproportionately impact girls' access to education. Additionally, about two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults are women—a persistent statistic that highlights longstanding gender inequalities
in education and literacy, and underscores the continued global need for targeted efforts to promote equitable access to learning for women and girls.
- E-learning, also known as electronic learning, refers to the use of digital technologies—such as computers, the internet, and
mobile devices—to deliver educational content and facilitate learning outside of traditional classroom settings. It encompasses a wide range of formats, including online learning, distance education,
web-based training, internet-based instruction, flexible learning, and digital education. Whether through self-paced modules, virtual classrooms, or interactive platforms, e-learning offers learners the
flexibility to access knowledge anytime, anywhere, making it a powerful tool for both academic and professional development.
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