Graduate Degree Population
Graduate Degree Population measures the percentage of St. Louis area residents who have completed a postgraduate degree course of study, such as a master’s or Ph.D. program. There are 218,436 adults in the region with graduate degrees, or 16.1% of the population.
Graduate Degree Indicator Scores
City of
St. Louis
St. Louis
County
St. Charles
County
St. Clair
County
Data Source: American Community Survey 1-year PUMS, 2016
Data Note: PUMS data may differ slightly from estimates on American FactFinder due to differences in sampling. See PUMS technical documentation for more information. Estimates for Hispanic and Asian residents are based on a small number of sample cases and should be interpreted with extreme caution. The number of sample cases is too small to report reliable estimates for additional racial groups.
What does this score mean?
A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in the outcomes between black and white populations. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.
For Graduate Degree Population, a score of 100 – a score reflecting racial equity – would mean black and white residents are equally likely to have a graduate degree. It is important to note that for this indicator, equity is not our only goal; we also want to improve outcomes for all.
WHAT DOES THIS ANALYSIS MEAN?
White adults in the region are 2.38 times more likely to have a graduate degree than black adults. In the City of St. Louis, white adults are nearly four times more likely to have a graduate degree (21.7%) when compared to black adults (5.6%). White adults in St. Louis County are over two times more likely to have a graduate degree (19.8%) when compared to black adults (8.5%). In St. Clair County, white adults are 73% more likely than black adults to be graduate degree holders (13% relative to 7.5%), and white adults in St. Charles County are 56% more likely to hold a graduate degree (14.7% relative to 9.4%).
If educational attainment rates were equitable, there would be
- 14,906 more black residents with graduate degrees in the City of Louis,
- 581 more black residents with graduate degrees in St. Charles County,
- 2,664 more black residents with graduate degrees in St. Clair County, and
- 16,668 more black residents with graduate degrees in St. Louis County.
Why Does Graduate Degree Population Matter?
Advanced degrees lead to more job opportunities, greater income, and increased professional ability. In particular, graduate credentials, such as law degrees and MBAs, qualify individuals for leadership positions in organizations. Racial disparities in graduate degrees contribute to the racial disparities in both income and influence. Because of the increased earnings potential that comes with advanced degrees, the equity gap in graduate degrees can further compound other disparities. A graduate degree is a lifelong credential, so the equity gap in graduate degrees will likely contribute to disparities for years to come.
WHICH CALLS TO ACTION FROM THE FERGUSON COMMISSION’s REPORT ARE LINKED WITH THIS INDICATOR?
The Ferguson Commission issued no calls to action specific to increasing access to graduate degrees. However, increased access to higher education is a recurrent theme in the report, due to the strong and intergenerational relationship between education and overall well-being.
Questions for Further Investigation:
- Why is there a racial disparity in Graduate Degree Population?
- What can St. Louis do to reduce racial disparities in Graduate Degree Population?
- What initiatives are currently underway to reduce racial disparities in Graduate Degree Population?
Graduate Degree Population Data
Adults over age 25 with at least one graduate degree
| All | White | Black | Disparity Ratio | Equity Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adults with Graduate Degrees | 33,756 | 23,563 | 5,180 | ||
Adult Population | 219,646 | 108,454 | 92,650 | ||
Percent of Adults with Graduate Degrees | 15.40% | 21.70% | 5.60% | 3.886 to 1 | 28 |
Data Source: American Community Survey 1-year PUMS, 2016
Adults over age 25 with at least one graduate degree
| All | Black | White | Disparity Ratio | Equity Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adults with Graduate Degrees | 125,892 | 12,661 | 96,241 | ||
Adult Population | 690,823 | 148,126 | 484,902 | ||
Percent of Adults with Graduate Degrees | 18.20% | 8.50% | 19.80% | 2.329 to 1 | 38 |
Data Source: American Community Survey 1-year PUMS, 2016
Adults over age 25 with at least one graduate degree
| All | Black | White | Disparity Ratio | Equity Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adults with Graduate Degrees | 38,186 | 1,018 | 34,871 | ||
Adult Population | 264,409 | 10,880 | 237,080 | ||
Percent of Adults with Graduate Degrees | 14.40% | 9.40% | 14.70% | 1.563 to 1 | 58 |
Data Source: American Community Survey 1-year PUMS, 2016
Adults over age 25 with at least one graduate degree
| All | Black | White | Disparity Ratio | Equity Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adults with Graduate Degrees | 20,602 | 3,672 | 15,345 | - | - |
Adult Population | 177,970 | 48,740 | 118,400 | - | - |
Percent of Adults with Graduate Degrees | 11.60% | 7.50% | 13.00% | 1.733 to 1 | 51 |
Data Source: American Community Survey 1-year PUMS, 2016