Religious Landscape Study

ReligionsGeographyTopics & QuestionsUser Guide

Religious composition of college graduates

  • Christian 66%
  • Evangelical Protestant 21%
    • Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 7%
    • Methodist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Nondenominational Family (Evangelical Trad.) 6%
      • Nondenominational evangelical 3%
      • Nondenominational fundamentalist < 1%
      • Nondenominational charismatic 1%
      • Nondenominational Christian (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Community Church (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Other Nondenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
    • Lutheran Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
    • Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Presbyterian Church in America < 1%
      • Other Presbyterian (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
    • Pentecostal Family (Evangelical Trad.) 2%
      • Assemblies of God 1%
      • Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) < 1%
      • Foursquare Church < 1%
      • Pentecostal Church of God < 1%
      • Pentecostal Holiness Church < 1%
      • Calvary Chapel < 1%
      • Apostolic Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Nondenominational Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Church of God of the Apostolic Faith < 1%
      • Other Pentecostal (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Episcopalian/Anglican Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Restorationist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Churches of Christ 1%
      • Christian Churches and Churches of Christ < 1%
      • Other Restorationist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Congregationalist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Conservative Congregational Christian Conference < 1%
      • Other Congregationalist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Holiness Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Church of the Nazarene < 1%
      • Wesleyan Church < 1%
      • Free Methodist Church < 1%
      • Christian and Missionary Alliance < 1%
      • Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) < 1%
      • Other Holiness (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Reformed Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
      • Christian Reformed Church < 1%
      • Other Reformed (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
      • Seventh-day Adventist 1%
      • Other Adventist (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Pietist Family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Other evangelical/fundamentalist family (Evangelical Trad.) < 1%
    • Nonspecific Protestant Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
  • Mainline Protestant 17%
  • Historically Black Protestant 4%
    • Baptist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
      • National Baptist Convention 1%
      • Progressive Baptist Convention < 1%
      • Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • Missionary Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • Other Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
    • Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • African Methodist Episcopal Church < 1%
      • African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church < 1%
      • Christian Methodist Episcopal Church < 1%
      • Other Methodist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • Church of God in Christ < 1%
      • Apostolic Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
      • United Pentecostal Church International < 1%
      • Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Holiness Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Nondenominational Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
    • Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) < 1%
  • Catholic 20%
  • Mormon 2%
  • Orthodox Christian 1%
    • Greek Orthodox < 1%
    • Russian Orthodox < 1%
    • Orthodox Church in America < 1%
    • Other Orthodox Christian < 1%
  • Jehovah's Witness < 1%
  • Other Christian < 1%
    • Metaphysical Family < 1%
      • Spiritualist < 1%
      • Unity Church < 1%
      • Other Metaphysical Christian ("Other Christian" Trad.) < 1%
    • Others in the "Other Christian" Tradition < 1%

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among college graduates

% of college graduates who say they…

Survey year Believe in God; absolutely certain Believe in God; fairly certain Believe in God; not too/not at all certain Believe in God; don't know Do not believe in God Other/don't know if they believe in God Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 57% 19% 6% < 1% 14% 3% 8,798

Compare: belief in God by educational group

Learn More: belief in God, Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Importance of religion in one's life among college graduates

% of college graduates who say religion is…

Survey year Very important Somewhat important Not too important Not at all important Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 47% 25% 14% 14% 1% 8,798

Compare: importance of religion by educational group

Learn More: importance of religion in one's life, Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Attendance at religious services among college graduates

% of college graduates who attend religious services…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month/a few times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 36% 33% 30% < 1% 8,798

Compare: religious attendance by educational group

Learn More: attendance at religious services, At least once a week, Once or twice a month/a few times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among college graduates

% of college graduates who pray…

Survey year At least daily Weekly Monthly Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 51% 15% 5% 28% 1% 8,798

Compare: frequency of prayer by educational group

Learn More: frequency of prayer, At least daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among college graduates

% of college graduates who attend prayer group…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 22% 8% 9% 61% 1% 8,798

Compare: attendance at prayer groups by educational group

Learn More: frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among college graduates

% of college graduates who meditate…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 39% 9% 6% 45% 1% 8,798

Compare: frequency of meditation by educational group

Learn More: frequency of meditation, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among college graduates

% of college graduates who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 58% 16% 11% 14% 1% 8,798

Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by educational group

Learn More: frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among college graduates

% of college graduates who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 47% 18% 15% 19% 1% 8,798

Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by educational group

Learn More: frequency of feeling wonder about the universe, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among college graduates

% of college graduates who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Survey year Religion Philosophy/reason Common sense Science Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 30% 14% 41% 12% 3% 8,798

Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by educational group

Learn More: sources of guidance on right and wrong, Religion, Philosophy/reason, Common sense, Science

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among college graduates

% of college graduates who say…

Survey year There are clear standards for what is right and wrong Right or wrong depends on the situation Neither/both equally Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 35% 63% 1% 1% 8,798

Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by educational group

Learn More: belief in absolute standards for right and wrong, There are clear standards for what is right and wrong, Right or wrong depends on the situation

Frequency of reading scripture among college graduates

% of college graduates who read scripture…

Survey year At least once a week Once or twice a month Several times a year Seldom/never Don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 31% 9% 8% 51% 1% 8,798

Compare: frequency of reading scripture by educational group

Learn More: frequency of reading scripture, At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Interpreting scripture among college graduates

% of college graduates who say the holy scripture is…

Survey year Word of God; should be taken literally Word of God; not everything taken literally Word of God; other/don't know Not the word of God Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 19% 29% 2% 43% 7% 8,798

Compare: interpretation of scripture by educational group

Learn More: interpreting scripture, Word of God; should be taken literally, Word of God; not everything taken literally, Not the word of God

Belief in Heaven among college graduates

% of college graduates who …in heaven

Survey year Believe Don't believe Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 63% 29% 8% 8,798

Compare: belief in heaven by educational group

Learn More: belief in Heaven, Believe, Don't believe

Belief in Hell among college graduates

% of college graduates who …in hell

Survey year Believe Don't believe Other/don't know Sample Size
Sample size = 8,798. Visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire. 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.
2014 48% 43% 8% 8,798

Compare: belief in hell by educational group

Learn More: belief in Hell, Believe, Don't believe