Educational distribution among adults who say religion is not too important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who have completed…

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Catholic38%29%21%12%564
Evangelical Protestant42%33%17%8%174
Jewish13%25%30%33%166
Mainline Protestant35%26%22%17%593
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")31%37%20%12%1,919
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are ages…

Educational distribution18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
High school or less38%29%20%13%867
Some college39%34%19%8%944
College27%39%22%12%1,122
Post-graduate degree12%48%25%15%802
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Educational distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
High school or less30%13%24%24%8%1%867
Some college27%21%25%22%4%1%944
College11%24%31%26%7%1%1,122
Post-graduate degree3%19%38%30%9%1%802
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Educational distributionMenWomenSample size
High school or less63%37%869
Some college53%47%952
College56%44%1,138
Post-graduate degree49%51%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Educational distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
High school or less73%6%4%14%3%859
Some college74%6%5%11%4%944
College78%3%10%6%3%1,124
Post-graduate degree77%3%11%4%5%809
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Educational distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
High school or less11%12%77%858
Some college9%15%77%944
College14%12%74%1,125
Post-graduate degree22%11%68%808
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less42%21%25%12%768
Some college29%24%32%15%866
College12%18%32%38%1,031
Post-graduate degree10%11%27%52%725
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Educational distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
High school or less34%9%11%4%42%866
Some college37%10%12%3%39%952
College53%9%7%2%28%1,129
Post-graduate degree59%9%8%3%21%813
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Educational distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
High school or less23%77%868
Some college24%76%950
College26%74%1,136
Post-graduate degree29%71%813
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less21%37%19%1%17%4%869
Some college21%35%18%< 1%18%8%952
College15%33%21%< 1%24%8%1,138
Post-graduate degree15%34%20%1%22%8%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less4%32%64%< 1%869
Some college2%32%65%< 1%952
College2%36%62%< 1%1,138
Post-graduate degree2%40%58%< 1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who pray…

Educational distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less16%12%11%61%< 1%869
Some college13%14%11%62%< 1%952
College10%11%8%70%< 1%1,138
Post-graduate degree13%13%9%65%1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less3%2%4%91%< 1%869
Some college1%3%3%93%< 1%952
College1%1%2%96%< 1%1,138
Post-graduate degree2%1%3%95%< 1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who meditate…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less17%7%5%70%1%869
Some college22%13%5%60%1%952
College23%10%7%59%1%1,138
Post-graduate degree26%13%7%53%1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less27%15%15%43%1%869
Some college33%18%15%33%1%952
College34%20%17%27%2%1,138
Post-graduate degree39%17%16%27%1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less35%13%14%37%1%869
Some college44%19%14%22%1%952
College42%21%19%18%1%1,138
Post-graduate degree40%22%19%19%1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Educational distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
High school or less4%15%67%12%1%869
Some college3%18%67%12%1%952
College3%21%54%20%2%1,138
Post-graduate degree3%22%53%20%1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less23%75%1%1%869
Some college21%77%2%1%952
College18%81%1%< 1%1,138
Post-graduate degree16%81%2%< 1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who read scripture…

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less4%5%5%85%< 1%869
Some college5%6%6%83%< 1%952
College3%3%6%88%< 1%1,138
Post-graduate degree4%2%7%86%< 1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less10%19%1%63%7%869
Some college4%13%< 1%73%10%952
College1%9%< 1%83%7%1,138
Post-graduate degree1%8%< 1%85%5%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in heaven

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less51%38%11%869
Some college45%42%13%952
College32%56%12%1,138
Post-graduate degree29%61%10%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …in hell

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less39%52%9%869
Some college32%58%10%952
College20%72%8%1,138
Post-graduate degree16%76%9%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who identify as…

Educational distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
High school or less34%24%43%869
Some college32%18%49%952
College25%12%62%1,138
Post-graduate degree23%9%68%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who are…

Educational distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
High school or less28%37%27%8%869
Some college19%41%33%6%952
College14%41%42%3%1,138
Post-graduate degree10%39%49%3%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who would rather have…

Educational distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
High school or less53%42%3%2%869
Some college55%37%3%5%952
College48%44%3%4%1,138
Post-graduate degree42%51%3%3%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less46%49%4%1%869
Some college41%53%4%1%952
College33%62%4%2%1,138
Post-graduate degree26%69%2%2%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say abortion should be…

Educational distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
High school or less70%27%3%869
Some college78%18%4%952
College86%12%2%1,138
Post-graduate degree88%10%2%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who say homosexuality…

Educational distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less77%18%2%3%869
Some college84%11%2%3%952
College92%6%1%1%1,138
Post-graduate degree91%7%2%< 1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too important who …same-sex marriage

Educational distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
High school or less68%25%7%869
Some college82%14%4%952
College88%8%4%1,138
Post-graduate degree88%9%3%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less39%57%2%3%869
Some college29%68%1%2%952
College22%75%2%2%1,138
Post-graduate degree17%80%1%1%816
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 not too important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is not too 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 less57%17%4%19%3%869
Some college65%16%7%10%2%952
College78%11%5%5%2%1,138
Post-graduate degree79%10%4%6%1%816
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.