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

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

Religious traditionHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Catholic45%29%18%9%2,211
Evangelical Protestant43%38%13%5%1,378
Historically Black Protestant45%40%9%7%228
Jewish17%21%31%31%312
Mainline Protestant36%30%20%14%1,979
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")48%30%14%8%1,494
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distribution18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
High school or less27%30%27%16%2,460
Some college31%34%23%12%2,254
College21%42%25%12%2,097
Post-graduate degree9%47%27%16%1,341
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
High school or less20%12%26%32%10%1%2,460
Some college21%18%26%27%7%1%2,254
College9%22%32%30%7%1%2,097
Post-graduate degree1%17%38%34%9%1%1,341
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionMenWomenSample size
High school or less54%46%2,486
Some college50%50%2,273
College48%52%2,142
Post-graduate degree50%50%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
High school or less64%8%2%22%4%2,466
Some college70%9%4%13%5%2,244
College76%5%8%9%3%2,115
Post-graduate degree75%5%12%5%2%1,345
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
High school or less16%10%73%2,435
Some college11%12%77%2,252
College13%12%75%2,132
Post-graduate degree19%13%69%1,357
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less50%22%19%9%2,190
Some college30%23%31%16%2,015
College12%18%35%35%1,912
Post-graduate degree9%8%31%52%1,249
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
High school or less37%11%15%7%30%2,475
Some college41%11%13%4%31%2,268
College58%8%9%3%23%2,134
Post-graduate degree67%6%9%4%14%1,365
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionParentsNon-parentsSample size
High school or less26%74%2,480
Some college30%70%2,268
College32%68%2,137
Post-graduate degree36%64%1,361
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less54%35%6%1%2%1%2,486
Some college53%37%6%1%2%2%2,273
College47%38%7%< 1%4%2%2,142
Post-graduate degree38%42%10%1%7%3%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less13%48%38%1%2,486
Some college12%57%30%< 1%2,273
College15%59%26%< 1%2,142
Post-graduate degree14%64%23%< 1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less38%27%12%22%1%2,486
Some college37%29%12%20%1%2,273
College36%29%13%21%1%2,142
Post-graduate degree34%29%14%22%1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less8%9%8%74%< 1%2,486
Some college7%7%9%77%< 1%2,273
College6%6%10%77%< 1%2,142
Post-graduate degree5%6%11%78%< 1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less25%9%5%60%1%2,486
Some college28%10%5%56%< 1%2,273
College30%12%8%49%1%2,142
Post-graduate degree32%10%9%48%< 1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less41%20%14%24%1%2,486
Some college43%23%15%18%1%2,273
College43%24%17%15%1%2,142
Post-graduate degree41%23%19%14%2%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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%15%15%33%2%2,486
Some college42%17%15%25%< 1%2,273
College39%20%16%24%1%2,142
Post-graduate degree41%22%19%18%< 1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
High school or less16%9%63%10%2%2,486
Some college12%15%63%8%2%2,273
College11%18%58%11%2%2,142
Post-graduate degree9%20%53%15%2%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less26%73%1%1%2,486
Some college28%71%1%< 1%2,273
College27%71%1%1%2,142
Post-graduate degree24%74%2%1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
High school or less15%12%12%61%1%2,486
Some college14%12%13%61%< 1%2,273
College11%10%13%66%< 1%2,142
Post-graduate degree9%10%16%64%< 1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less24%35%2%31%7%2,486
Some college13%34%2%40%11%2,273
College6%33%1%51%9%2,142
Post-graduate degree4%27%1%59%10%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less80%13%7%2,486
Some college78%14%9%2,273
College69%23%9%2,142
Post-graduate degree59%31%10%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
High school or less62%29%8%2,486
Some college58%33%9%2,273
College46%45%9%2,142
Post-graduate degree35%55%10%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
High school or less35%23%42%2,486
Some college37%19%45%2,273
College38%13%49%2,142
Post-graduate degree32%12%57%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
High school or less33%36%23%7%2,486
Some college29%40%25%6%2,273
College26%42%30%3%2,142
Post-graduate degree18%44%35%2%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
High school or less46%48%2%4%2,486
Some college56%37%3%4%2,273
College57%37%3%3%2,142
Post-graduate degree52%43%2%2%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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%3%2%2,486
Some college48%48%4%1%2,273
College44%50%4%1%2,142
Post-graduate degree34%61%5%1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
High school or less58%38%4%2,486
Some college66%30%5%2,273
College72%25%2%2,142
Post-graduate degree78%20%3%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
High school or less69%24%3%4%2,486
Some college77%16%4%3%2,273
College83%12%3%2%2,142
Post-graduate degree84%11%3%2%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

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

Educational distributionStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
High school or less58%33%9%2,486
Some college68%24%8%2,273
College76%19%5%2,142
Post-graduate degree79%15%6%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less43%51%2%4%2,486
Some college34%61%2%2%2,273
College29%67%2%2%2,142
Post-graduate degree24%73%2%1%1,369
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 somewhat important by educational group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat 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 less33%27%4%31%4%2,486
Some college36%33%5%23%3%2,273
College48%30%6%14%2%2,142
Post-graduate degree57%25%6%10%1%1,369
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.