The US Census Bureau has recently begun publishing data on the fields of study for college graduates through the American Community Survey (data below are 5-year averages through 2013). The new information provides a more granular look at educational attainment levels among communities throughout the US, including the Rural Capital Area.
The popularity of individual fields of study among college graduates in the Rural Capital Area is virtually identical to US averages. Science & Engineering is the most widespread area of study among bachelor's degree recipients in the Rural Capital Area. Among the region's college graduates, 44% possess a degree in a Science & Engineering field. Arts & Humanities is the second most popular field of study among Rural Capital Area residents. 22% of local college graduates have an Arts & Humanities degree. 20% of Rural Capital Area residents pursued Business degrees while in college, making it the third most prevalent field of undergraduate study. 13% of college graduates living in the Rural Capital Area possess an Education bachelor's degree.
Although the overall proportion of Rural Capital Area college graduates with Science & Engineering degrees is nearly identical to the US average, there remain slight differences in areas of specialty. Rural Capital Area Science & Engineering graduates are 50% more likely to possess Computer & Math degrees. Nearly 16% of Rural Capital Area Science & Engineering graduates have a Computer & Math degree, compared to less than 10% in the US. Conversely, Rural Capital Area Science & Engineering graduates are less likely to possess a Social Sciences Science & Engineering degree. In 2013, approximately 16% of Science & Engineering college graduates in the Rural Capital Area held a Social Sciences degree, compared to nearly 20% in the US.
