Enrollment by Family Income

About this Indicator

This indicator compares college enrollment rates among dependent 18- to 24-year-old residents by family income. College enrollment is defined as current postsecondary enrollment or any level of college attainment, including some college or a specific credential. Dependent is defined as age less than 25, not married with spouse present, with the household role of sibling, child, step child, family other, foster child or grandchild. The sample excludes individuals currently enrolled in high school but includes individuals without a high school diploma or certificate who are not currently enrolled in high school. Family income quartiles are based on all households in the state: low income is delineated by the bottom quartile; middle income is delineated by the middle quartiles; and high income is delineated by the top quartile.


Data Source

U.S. Census Bureau. Current Population Survey: School enrollment supplement one-year estimates.

Note. Estimates are pooled over five years. Caution should be exercised when reporting estimates for the following states due to small sample sizes (relative standard error is greater than 30%):

  • 2017: Nebraska (low-income)
  • 2018: Maine (low-income), Vermont (low-income)
  • 2019: Maine (low-income)