Educational distribution among adults who say religion is very important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is very important who have completed…

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Catholic49%26%15%10%4,196
Evangelical Protestant43%35%14%8%6,863
Historically Black Protestant53%32%9%6%1,631
Jehovah's Witness62%26%9%3%220
Jewish24%23%24%30%277
Mainline Protestant38%32%18%13%3,297
Mormon24%40%25%11%557
Muslim40%24%22%13%154
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")59%28%10%3%821
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: High school or less, Some college, College, Post-graduate degree

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are ages…

Educational distribution18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
High school or less16%29%29%26%6,201
Some college21%33%28%17%5,230
College14%39%30%17%4,120
Post-graduate degree8%40%31%22%2,670
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Educational distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
High school or less11%10%25%34%18%2%6,201
Some college14%14%27%33%12%1%5,230
College5%15%32%35%11%1%4,120
Post-graduate degree1%13%34%37%14%1%2,670
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Educational distributionMenWomenSample size
High school or less44%56%6,289
Some college40%60%5,332
College42%58%4,238
Post-graduate degree46%54%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Educational distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
High school or less53%18%1%24%3%6,222
Some college64%17%2%12%5%5,254
College70%12%5%9%3%4,167
Post-graduate degree72%12%6%6%3%2,703
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Educational distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
High school or less22%7%71%6,179
Some college10%9%81%5,277
College13%9%78%4,212
Post-graduate degree14%9%78%2,722
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who have a household income of…

Educational distributionLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
High school or less56%21%16%6%5,198
Some college34%25%29%12%4,615
College16%18%36%30%3,681
Post-graduate degree9%12%36%43%2,413
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Educational distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
High school or less47%6%15%12%21%6,263
Some college51%5%15%7%22%5,309
College66%3%11%5%15%4,212
Post-graduate degree70%3%9%5%13%2,745
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Educational distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
High school or less27%73%6,272
Some college32%68%5,320
College37%63%4,221
Post-graduate degree34%66%2,737
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say they…

Educational distributionBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
High school or less85%12%1%1%< 1%< 1%6,289
Some college91%7%1%1%< 1%< 1%5,332
College90%8%1%< 1%1%< 1%4,238
Post-graduate degree86%11%1%1%1%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who attend religious services…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less56%29%14%1%6,289
Some college58%30%12%< 1%5,332
College68%26%6%< 1%4,238
Post-graduate degree71%23%6%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who pray…

Educational distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less79%14%3%4%1%6,289
Some college84%11%2%2%1%5,332
College84%12%1%2%1%4,238
Post-graduate degree82%12%3%2%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who attend prayer group…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less41%13%9%36%1%6,289
Some college41%13%10%34%1%5,332
College44%12%12%31%1%4,238
Post-graduate degree41%15%13%31%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who meditate…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less53%8%3%34%3%6,289
Some college53%7%3%35%2%5,332
College53%7%4%34%2%4,238
Post-graduate degree58%8%2%30%2%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less74%11%6%7%2%6,289
Some college79%11%5%5%1%5,332
College79%12%5%3%1%4,238
Post-graduate degree76%13%5%4%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less48%13%10%26%3%6,289
Some college49%17%11%22%1%5,332
College52%16%12%18%2%4,238
Post-graduate degree55%17%13%13%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Educational distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
High school or less53%5%35%5%2%6,289
Some college57%6%31%3%3%5,332
College58%8%26%5%4%4,238
Post-graduate degree54%10%25%7%4%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say…

Educational distributionThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less36%60%2%2%6,289
Some college45%52%2%1%5,332
College50%48%2%1%4,238
Post-graduate degree46%51%2%< 1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who read scripture…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less56%12%7%23%1%6,289
Some college61%13%8%18%1%5,332
College60%12%8%19%1%4,238
Post-graduate degree58%14%9%19%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say the holy scripture is…

Educational distributionWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less59%23%4%8%6%6,289
Some college46%34%4%10%6%5,332
College37%40%4%12%7%4,238
Post-graduate degree27%44%4%17%8%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in heaven

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less89%6%5%6,289
Some college89%6%5%5,332
College85%8%7%4,238
Post-graduate degree80%11%8%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who …in hell

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less76%16%7%6,289
Some college77%16%7%5,332
College71%20%9%4,238
Post-graduate degree62%27%11%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who identify as…

Educational distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
High school or less36%22%42%6,289
Some college46%16%38%5,332
College55%12%33%4,238
Post-graduate degree45%12%43%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who are…

Educational distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
High school or less46%26%18%9%6,289
Some college49%31%14%6%5,332
College51%31%14%3%4,238
Post-graduate degree40%36%21%3%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who would rather have…

Educational distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
High school or less43%50%3%4%6,289
Some college58%35%3%4%5,332
College65%30%3%3%4,238
Post-graduate degree59%35%3%3%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say government aid to the poor…

Educational distributionDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less45%48%4%3%6,289
Some college51%43%5%1%5,332
College54%40%4%2%4,238
Post-graduate degree43%52%4%1%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say abortion should be…

Educational distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
High school or less33%61%6%6,289
Some college38%58%4%5,332
College39%57%4%4,238
Post-graduate degree46%50%3%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say homosexuality…

Educational distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less43%48%4%4%6,289
Some college46%45%5%4%5,332
College48%43%5%4%4,238
Post-graduate degree56%36%5%4%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who …same-sex marriage

Educational distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
High school or less32%59%10%6,289
Some college36%56%8%5,332
College40%53%7%4,238
Post-graduate degree48%46%7%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say…

Educational distributionStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less45%47%2%6%6,289
Some college44%51%3%2%5,332
College42%53%3%3%4,238
Post-graduate degree33%63%2%2%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who say religion is very important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is very important who say humans…

Educational distributionEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
High school or less15%24%3%51%7%6,289
Some college11%31%2%51%4%5,332
College15%32%4%45%5%4,238
Post-graduate degree19%37%6%35%3%2,752
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.