Final answer:
The highest level of education a person has achieved. Data from the BLS indicates that while a high percentage of U.S. adults have high school diplomas, a much smaller percentage have bachelor's or master's degrees, reflecting the complexity of the decision to pursue higher education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highest level of education achieved, with options ranging from high school or less to a master's degree or higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2019, over 90% of the U.S. population aged 25 and over possessed at least a high school diploma. However, only 36% had obtained a bachelor's or higher degree, and just 13.5% had secured a master's degree or more. These figures suggest a significant disparity between the number of individuals completing high school and those pursuing higher education levels, such as bachelor's or master's degrees.
Socioeconomic factors often influence whether individuals pursue higher education, with those from the upper-middle class being more likely to seek postgraduate degrees in areas such as business, management, law, or medicine. Choices in pursuing higher education are also tied to the potential for improved material well-being and the opportunity to consume more goods and services.