Ranked: States Where a Bachelor's Degree Pays Off the Most, Least - Goodfest

Getting a four-year college education isn’t always worth it for everybody — whether it comes down to avoiding the rising cost of a degree or pursuing careers outside a traditional college setting — but in some state economies, not having a bachelor’s degree sets you further behind than in others.

Business Insider looked at the median annual earnings of adults aged 25 and over across the country, as reported in the Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey data, and compared the median earnings of adults with a bachelor’s degree with those of adults with some college or an associate degree.

We then ranked all 50 states by the percentage difference in median earnings between those two groups, from highest to lowest, to compare extra earnings associated with completing a four-year degree with stopping short of earning a bachelor’s degree, while accounting for differences in overall wage levels from state to state.

Across all states, one thing remained constant: having a bachelor’s degree is almost always associated with higher earnings.

On average, bachelor’s degree-holders earned 38.6% more than adults with some college or an associate degree, but that ranged across state lines, with the largest gap at 58.5% and the smallest at 17.1%.

States with major cities and large professional job markets, such as California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, and Washington, all ranked among the widest earnings gaps between bachelor’s degree holders and those with only some college or an associate degree.

On the other hand, states with more rural economies and greater reliance on industries such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and skilled trades, such as Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas, had the smallest earnings gaps.

For some, even a slim advantage can be significant in an uncertain labor market. Others might look at the financial payoff of a college investment and decide to pursue a different career path.

The list below ranks states from those with the largest earnings gap between bachelor’s degree holders and people with some college education to those with the smallest gap, helping illustrate how the financial payoff of a bachelor’s degree can vary across state lines.

See where your state ranked.

50. California

There’s a greater earnings gap in California between bachelor’s degree holders and those with an associate degree or some college more than in any other US state.

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Degree premium: 58.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $80,874

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $51,031

Earnings gap: $29,843

49. New Jersey

An aerial cityscape view in New Brunswick, New Jersey with Rutgers University during sunrise — New Jersey has a bachelor’s degree earnings premium of 57.1% over adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 57.1%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $81,107

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $51,644

Earnings gap: $29,463

48. Massachusetts

Orange brick houses along stunning skyscrapers. Varied scenery of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Aerial view. — Massachusetts has a $29,566 earnings gap between adults with a bachelor’s degree and adults with some college or an associate degree.

Vadym Terelyuk/Getty Images

Degree premium: 56.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $81,784

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $52,218

Earnings gap: $29,566

47. New York

Iconic buildings overlooking bustling new york city with impressive architecture and vibrant energy in warm sunlight — New York adults with a bachelor’s degree earn 55.0% more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 55.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $76,760

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $49,538

Earnings gap: $27,222

46. Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia, USA downtown skyline at dawn. — Georgia adults with some college or an associate degree miss out on $24,663 in annual earnings compared to those with a four-year degree.

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Degree premium: 53.7%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $70,582

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,919

Earnings gap: $24,663

45. Illinois

Chicago Cityscape at Sunset with Lakefront View. Aerial view of Chicago skyline at sunset, showing Lake Michigan shoreline, tree-lined parks, and a busy roadway along the waterfront — Illinois has a 52.6% earnings gap between adults with a bachelor’s degree and adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 52.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $72,625

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,598

Earnings gap: $25,027

44. Washington

The Tacoma cityscape and its skyscrapers are dramatically framed against the backdrop of the towering, snow-capped Mount Rainier at sunset. — Washington adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $27,783 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 51.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $81,640

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $53,857

Earnings gap: $27,783

43. Connecticut

A stunning aerial stock photo of New Haven, Connecticut, showcasing the city's layout, architecture, and surrounding landscape from above. The image captures the urban and natural elements of the area, making it ideal for use in cityscapes, travel, and regional projects — Connecticut adults with a bachelor’s degree earn over 50% more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 50.7%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $77,879

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $51,686

Earnings gap: $26,193

42. Virginia

Richmond, Virginia, USA downtown skyline. — Virginia adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $25,125 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 49.8%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $75,575

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $50,450

Earnings gap: $25,125

41. Colorado

Aerial view of Colorado Capitol and Denver, Colorado skyline at sunset. Denver is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado — Colorado adults with some college or an associate degree miss out on $24,390 in annual income compared to those with a bachelor’s degree.

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Degree premium: 47.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $75,637

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $51,247

Earnings gap: $24,390

40. Texas

Dallas, USA - November 7, 2023: scenic skyline in late afternoon in Dallas, Texas, USA — Texas adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $22,225 more than adults with some college or an associate degree

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Degree premium: 47.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $69,494

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,269

Earnings gap: $22,225

39. North Carolina

An aerial view of Cary, North Carolina after a Summer thundershower. — North Carolina adults with a bachelor’s degree make 46.5% more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

David Sweatman/Getty Images

Degree premium: 46.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $65,170

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $44,474

Earnings gap: $20,696

38. Oregon

Aerial view of Portland, Oregon, showcasing the vibrant downtown with a mix of modern and classic skyscrapers. The Willamette River with a bridge and paddlewheel riverboat adds scenic beauty and historical charm. — Oregon adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $22,018 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 46.3%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $69,562

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,544

Earnings gap: $22,018

37. Michigan

Downtown Detroit skyline and Detroit River. Drone aerial photo of downtown Detroit, Michigan with skyscrapers and the Detroit River on a sunny day. — Michigan adults with some college or an associate degree miss out on $20,917 in annual income compared to those with a four-year degree.

Vadym Terelyuk/Getty Images

Degree premium: 45.9%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $66,497

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,580

Earnings gap: $20,917

36. Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA downtown city skyline on the Ohio River at dusk. — Pennsylvania adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $22,011 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 45.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $70,261

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $48,250

Earnings gap: $22,011

35. Ohio

Downtown Akron, Ohio, USA at autumn sunset features a mix of modern and historic architecture. Prominent are twin-spired churches and contemporary buildings. The foreground shows a parking lot with evenly spaced cars and vibrant green trees. In the background, the skyline rises under a dramatic clouded sky, colored in warm hues by the setting sun. The scene captures a serene and picturesque moment in the city. — Ohio adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $20,990 more annually than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 45.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $67,591

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $46,601

Earnings gap: $20,990

34. Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland, USA cityscape at Mt. Vernon and the Washington Monument. — Maryland adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $23,941 more annually than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 43.3%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $79,242

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $55,301

Earnings gap: $23,941

33. Kansas

Aerial panorama of Topeka and Kansas State Capitol. Topeka is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County — Kansas adults with some college or an associate degree miss out on $19,709 in annual income compared to those with a four-year degree.

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Degree premium: 43.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $65,534

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,825

Earnings gap: $19,709

32. Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, USA downtown cityscape at dusk. — Arizona adults with a bachelor’s degree earn 40.8% more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 40.8%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $67,466

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,923

Earnings gap: $19,543

31. Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA downtown city skyline over the river at dusk. — Minnesota adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $20,353 more annually than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 39.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $72,538

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $52,185

Earnings gap: $20,353

30. South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina, USA downtown cityscape at dusk. — South Carolina has a 39.0% earnings premium for bachelor’s degree holders over adults with some college or an associate degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 39.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $63,731

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,860

Earnings gap: $17,871

29. Rhode Island

Aerial panorama of Providence skyline at dusk. Providence is the capital city of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Founded in 1636 is one of the oldest cities in USA. — Rhode Island adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $19,232 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 38.3%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $69,496

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $50,264

Earnings gap: $19,232

28. Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA - December 1, 2023: The Louisiana State Capitol Building in Downtown Baton Rouge — Adults in Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree earn $16,458 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

CRobertson/Getty Images

Degree premium: 37.9%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $59,917

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $43,459

Earnings gap: $16,458

27. Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee, USA skyline at dawn. — Adults with a bachelor’s degree in Tennessee earn $17,162 more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 37.7%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,654

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,492

Earnings gap: $17,162

26. Oklahoma

Aerial drone photo Oklahoma State Capitol Building — Adults in Oklahoma have a 37.0% earnings premium with a bachelor’s degree compared to those with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 37.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $60,006

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $43,787

Earnings gap: $16,219

25. Arkansas

Aerial shot of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. — Arkansas adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $15,420 more than those with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 37.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $57,152

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $41,732

Earnings gap: $15,420

24. Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline at twilight. — Missouri adults with some college or an associate degree miss out on $16,731 of annual earnings compared to those with a bachelor’s degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 36.9%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,091

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,360

Earnings gap: $16,731

23. New Hampshire

defaultPeterborough NH in October — Adults in New Hampshire with some college or an associate degree make $19,156 less than those with a bachelor’s degree.

George Carmichael/Getty Images

Degree premium: 36.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $71,669

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $52,513

Earnings gap: $19,156

22. Nevada

Downtown Reno skyline, Nevada, with hotels, casinos and the surrounding High Eastern Sierra foothills — Nevada has a 35.7% earnings gap between adults with a bachelor’s degree and those with some college or an associate degree.

miroslav_1/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 35.7%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,782

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $46,278

Earnings gap: $16,504

21. Alabama

Drone shot of the Downtown Mobile, Alabama skyline at sunset — Alabama adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $15,862 more than those with some college or an associate degree.

George Dodd/Getty Images

Degree premium: 35.0%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $61,183

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,321

Earnings gap: $15,862

20. Florida

Fort Walton Beach shots by Drone July 2022 — In Florida, adults with a bachelor’s degree make $15,446 more than those with some college or an associate degree.

WanderDrone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 34.2%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $60,618

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,172

Earnings gap: $15,446

19. Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, USA historic downtown cityscape at blue hour. — Kentucky has a 34.2% earnings premium for adults with a bachelor’s degree compared to adults with some college or an associate degree

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 34.2%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $60,854

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,352

Earnings gap: $15,502

18. Delaware

The aerial view of the Riverfront area near downtown Wilmington, Delaware — Adults in Delaware without a college degree make $16,579 less than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Bo Shen/Getty Images

Degree premium: 33.8%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $65,673

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $49,094

Earnings gap: $16,579

17. Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi, USA skyline over the Capitol Building. — Adults without a bachelor’s degree in Mississippi make $13,700 less annually than those with some college or an associate degree.

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 32.8%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $55,481

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $41,781

Earnings gap: $13,700

15. (tie) New Mexico

City view of historic Santa Fe, New Mexico in fall — Adults without a bachelor’s degree in New Mexico make $13,691 less than adults with some college or an associate degree.

MonaMakela/Getty Images

Degree premium: 32.2%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $56,159

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $42,468

Earnings gap: $13,691

15. (tie) Indiana

Aerial View of Vibrant Indianapolis Cityscape with Serene Park and Waterway at Golden Hour — Indiana adults with a bachelor’s degree earn $15,438 more annually than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Nicholas Klein/Getty Images

Degree premium: 32.2%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $63,367

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,929

Earnings gap: $15,438

14. Maine

View of Camden and the forested coastline at the peak of fall foliage. Maine, USA. — Maine has a 32.1% earnings gap between adults with a bachelor’s degree and those with some college or an associate degree.

AlbertPego/Getty Images

Degree premium: 32.1%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,442

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,269

Earnings gap: $15,173

13. Vermont

Autumn view over the historic city of Montpelier, Vermont, USA with church spires and colorful fall leaves — Vermont has a 31.8% earnings gap between adults with a bachelor’s degree and those with some college or an associate degree.

jenifoto/Getty Images

Degree premium: 31.8%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $61,949

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $46,998

Earnings gap: $14,951

12. Idaho

Cloudy sky over Boise with many hot air balloons — Idaho adults with a bachelor’s degree make $14,491 more annually than adults with some college or an associate degree.

knowlesgallery/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 31.7%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $60,198

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $45,707

Earnings gap: $14,491

10. (tie) Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska, USA downtown skyline on the Missouri River at night. — Adults in Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree earn 31.5% more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Degree premium: 31.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,021

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $47,163

Earnings gap: $14,858

10. (tie) Utah

Downtown of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Green residential area scattered at backdrop at the foot of the mountains. — Utah has a 31.5% earnings gap between adults with a bachelor’s degree and those with some college or an associate degree.

Vadym Terelyuk/Getty Images

Degree premium: 31.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $65,299

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $49,669

Earnings gap: $15,630

9. Wisconsin

Aerial view of Madison city downtown at sunset, Wisconsin — Adults in Wisconsin earn $15,382 more with a bachelor’s degree than adults with some college or an associate degree.

marchello74/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 30.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $65,697

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $50,315

Earnings gap: $15,382

8. West Virginia

Downtown skyline of Charleston, West Virginia, United States, viewed from across the Kanawha River on a clear, sunny day. The cityscape features historic and modern architecture along the riverfront — The earnings gap between bachelor’s degree-holders and adults with some college or an associate degree in West Virginia is $13,293.

Leonid Andronov/Getty Images

Degree premium: 30.4%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $56,967

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $43,674

Earnings gap: $13,293

7. Iowa

Iowa State Capitol and Des Moines skyline. The Iowa State Capitol houses the Senate, House of Representatives, the Offices of the Governor, Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, and Secretary of State — Iowa adults with some college or an associate degree make $14,182 less than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images

Degree premium: 29.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,244

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $48,062

Earnings gap: $14,182

6. Montana

A scenic view of the Clark Fork River winding through downtown Missoula, with city lights beginning to glow as the sun sets — Bachelor’s degree holders in Montana earned 28.5% more than adults with some college or an associate degree.

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Degree premium: 28.5%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $56,457

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $43,921

Earnings gap: $12,536

5. Alaska

Aerial View of a Sunset over Downtown Anchorage, Alaska in Spring — Adults in Alaska without a bachelor’s degree make $14,081 less than adults with some college or an associate degree.

Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 25.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $69,031

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $54,950

Earnings gap: $14,081

4. Hawaii

Honolulu skyline and lagoon at sunset. Scenic view of a tropical lagoon with palm trees, sandy beach, and the illuminated Honolulu skyline reflecting the warm hues of sunset — Hawaii has the fourth-smallest earnings gap between bachelor’s degree holders and adults with some college or an associate degree.

Iryna Olkhova/Getty Images

Degree premium: 24.6%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $62,969

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $50,549

Earnings gap: $12,420

3. Wyoming

Wyoming, WY, USA - May 10, 2022: A place known for as Magic City of the Plains — In Wyoming, having a bachelor’s degree translates to a $9,874 annual earnings premium compared to adults with some college or an associate degree.

Cheri Alguire/Getty Images

Degree premium: 22.3%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $54,213

Median earnings with some college or an associate degree: $44,339

Earnings gap: $9,874

2. North Dakota

Aerial View of the Tourist Town of Medora, North Dakota outside of Theodore Roosevelt National Park — North Dakota has the second-smallest annual earnings gap between bachelor’s degree holders and those with some college or an associate degree, at 17.3%.

Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Degree premium: 17.3%

Median earnings with a bachelor’s degree: $60,560