Illinois is home to many strong school districts, but one city stands out as the most educated in the state.
24/7 Wall St. sought the most educated city in each state, particularly given the average cost of a college education in the U.S. The financial news and opinion hub notes that the average cost is three times higher than it was 20 years ago, reaching $35,720 a year. Still, though, the report notes: “While rising tuition costs are discouraging many Americans from enrolling, a college education is an investment that can broaden access to career opportunities, improve job security, and increase earning potential.”
24/7 Wall St. deems Wilmette the “best educated place” in Illinois, reporting that an estimated 77.1% of adults have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. That’s compared to 28.3% bachelor’s degree attainment rate statewide, according to 24/7 Wall St. The report states:
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly wage for a college-educated worker in the United States is about 67% higher than it is for those with no more than a high school diploma — and in cities with well-educated populations, incomes also tend to be higher than average. In Wilmette, the typical household earns $164,681 a year, above the statewide median household income of $65,886.”
See the full report here.