What Percent of People Have a PhD? Statistics and Trends

If you're considering pursuing a PhD or simply curious about doctoral education, you might wonder: exactly what percentage of people have a PhD? The answer reveals just how exclusive this achievement remains, both in the United States and globally.

Understanding these statistics provides context for the value and rarity of doctoral degrees, the demographics of PhD holders, and emerging trends in doctoral education. Whether you're a prospective graduate student, a career advisor, or simply interested in educational attainment data, this comprehensive guide breaks down the numbers.

The Big Picture: What Percent of Americans Have a PhD?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2022 data, released 2023), approximately 2.0% of American adults aged 25 and older hold a doctoral degree. This translates to an estimated 4+ million people out of a population of over 230 million adults.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates, Table S1501

To put this in perspective:

• Only 1 in 50 Americans has earned a PhD or equivalent research doctorate
• Doctoral degree holders represent the smallest segment of degree holders in the U.S.
• Among the adult population, an estimated 4-5% of those with bachelor's degrees also hold doctorates (though this doesn't account for international students who earn US PhDs without US bachelor's degrees)

Breaking Down Educational Attainment in America

The complete picture of educational attainment in the United States shows (2022 data):

• High school diploma or equivalent: 89.5%
• Some college, no degree: 44.7%
• Associate's degree: 11.0%
• Bachelor's degree: 37.5%
• Master's degree: 13.7%
• Professional degree (MD, JD, etc.): 2.4%
• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, etc.): 2.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Educational Attainment in the United States: 2022

When we combine all terminal degrees (professional degrees and doctoral degrees), approximately 4.4% of Americans hold the highest level of educational credentials.

Global Perspective: Percentage of Population with PhD Worldwide

The percentage of people with a PhD varies significantly across countries, reflecting different educational systems, economic development, and cultural attitudes toward advanced education.

How Many People Have a PhD Globally?

Estimating the global percentage of PhD holders is challenging due to varying data collection methods and definitions across countries. However, research suggests:

• Global average: Approximately 0.5-1.0% of the world's adult population holds a doctoral degree (estimated)
• OECD countries: Average of 1.5-2.5% of adults aged 25-64 have doctoral degrees
• Developing nations: Often below 0.5% of the population

Note: Global estimates are approximate due to inconsistent reporting standards and varying definitions of doctoral degrees across countries.

Country Comparisons

Different nations show vastly different PhD attainment rates (approximate figures based on OECD Education at a Glance 2023 and national statistics):

High PhD Attainment:

• Switzerland: ~2.5% of adults aged 25-64 (estimated)
• Slovenia: ~2.5-3.0% (estimated)
• Luxembourg: ~2.5% (estimated)
• United States: ~2.0%
• United Kingdom: ~1.8%

Moderate PhD Attainment:

• Germany: ~1.6%
• Australia: ~1.5%
• Canada: ~1.4%
• Sweden: ~1.3%

Lower PhD Attainment:

• China: ~0.5% (estimated; though producing the most PhDs annually)
• India: ~0.3% (estimated)
• Brazil: ~0.2% (estimated)

Note: Developing nation figures are estimates and may not reflect recent growth in doctoral education.

These differences reflect factors including:

• Length and structure of doctoral programs
• Funding availability
• Academic job market conditions
• Cultural valuation of research careers
• Economic development levels

Demographic Breakdown: Who Earns PhDs in America?

Understanding the percentage of people with a PhD becomes more nuanced when we examine specific demographic groups. These statistics reveal important patterns in educational access and achievement.

PhD Attainment by Age

Doctoral degree attainment varies by age cohort, reflecting both the time required to earn the degree and generational trends:

• 25-29 years: ~0.5% (many still completing degrees)
• 30-34 years: ~1.2%
• 35-44 years: ~2.1%
• 45-54 years: ~2.3%
• 55-64 years: ~2.2%
• 65+ years: ~1.9%

The median age at which Americans earn their PhD is approximately 31-33 years, though this varies significantly by field.

PhD Attainment by Gender

The gender composition of PhD holders has shifted dramatically over recent decades:

Current Distribution (2022 Census data):

• Men: 2.2% of adult males hold a PhD
• Women: 1.8% of adult females hold a PhD

However, recent trends show convergence:

• In 2022, women earned 51.6% of all research doctorates awarded in the U.S.
• This represents a historic shift from 1970, when women earned only 14% of PhDs
• Fields like biological sciences, social sciences, and education now grant more PhDs to women than men
• STEM fields (particularly engineering and computer science) still skew male, though the gap is narrowing

Source: NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates 2022; U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022

PhD Attainment by Race and Ethnicity

Significant disparities persist in doctoral degree attainment across racial and ethnic groups (2022 data):

• Asian Americans: ~4.8% hold doctoral degrees
• White Americans: ~2.3%
• Black or African Americans: ~1.1%
• Hispanic or Latino Americans: ~0.8%
• Native American/Alaska Native: ~0.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022. Note: Asian American category includes diverse ethnic groups with varying educational attainment patterns.

These disparities reflect systemic barriers including:

• Unequal access to quality undergraduate education
• Financial constraints during lengthy doctoral programs
• Lack of representation and mentorship
• Structural racism in academic institutions

Efforts to increase diversity in doctoral education remain a critical priority, with many institutions implementing targeted recruitment, funding, and support programs.

PhD Attainment by Field of Study

The concentration of PhD holders varies dramatically by field (based on 2022 doctoral awards):

Highest PhD Production Fields:

• Engineering: 18.0% of all PhDs awarded
• Life Sciences: 16.5%
• Physical Sciences: 10.2%
• Social Sciences: 9.8%
• Psychology: 8.5%
• Education: 8.2%
• Humanities: 7.5%

Smallest Fields:

• Mathematics/Statistics: 3.5%
• Computer Sciences: 4.2%
• Business: 3.1%

Note that field popularity has shifted over time, with computer science PhDs growing rapidly while humanities PhDs have declined.

Source: NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates 2022

Trends Over Time: Is the Percentage Increasing?

The percentage of Americans with PhDs has grown steadily over the past several decades, though the rate of growth has varied.

Historical Growth Patterns

• 1980: ~1.0% of adults had doctoral degrees
• 1990: ~1.2%
• 2000: ~1.5%
• 2010: ~1.8%
• 2020: ~2.0%
• 2022: ~2.0%

This represents a doubling over 40 years, though growth has plateaued recently.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Educational Attainment Tables. Figures are rounded estimates from decennial census and American Community Survey data.

Annual PhD Production

The United States awards approximately 55,000-60,000 research doctorates annually (over 57,000 in 2022), according to the National Science Foundation's Survey of Earned Doctorates. This number has remained relatively stable since 2015 after decades of growth.

Key trends include:

• International students earn approximately 38-42% of U.S. PhDs (41% in 2022)
• STEM fields account for roughly 70% of all doctorates
• Average time to degree has stabilized at 5-7 years depending on field (median 6 years overall in 2022)
• Post-doctoral positions have become increasingly common, extending the training period

Source: NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates 2022

Future Projections

Based on current trends, modest continued growth in PhD attainment appears likely:

• By 2030, an estimated 2.2-2.3% of Americans may hold doctoral degrees (assuming current production rates)
• Growth will likely be driven by increasing demand for advanced skills in technology, healthcare, and research
• However, concerns about PhD job markets, student debt, and long training periods may constrain growth

Note: Projections are extrapolations based on current trends and should be treated as estimates rather than forecasts.

Why Does the Percentage Matter?

Understanding how many people have a PhD provides valuable context in several areas:

1. Career Planning and Competitiveness

Knowing that only 2% of Americans hold PhDs helps prospective students understand:

• The exclusivity and value of the credential
• Competition levels in academic and research careers
• The distinctive skills that set PhD holders apart
• Whether the investment of 5-7 years is aligned with career goals

2. Policy and Workforce Development

Policymakers use these statistics to:

• Project needs for highly skilled workers in research and development
• Design funding for doctoral education and research
• Address equity gaps in advanced education access
• Plan immigration policies for attracting international talent

3. Research and Innovation Capacity

PhD attainment rates correlate with:

• National research output and innovation
• Patent production and technological advancement
• Scientific publication volume
• Economic competitiveness in knowledge industries

Countries with higher PhD attainment rates generally show stronger research and development ecosystems.

4. Understanding Social Mobility

PhD statistics illuminate patterns of educational mobility:

• First-generation college graduates face additional barriers to doctoral education
• Socioeconomic background significantly influences PhD attainment likelihood
• Geographic location affects access to doctoral programs
• Financial aid availability determines who can afford the opportunity cost

How Does a PhD Compare to Other Advanced Degrees?

To fully understand what percent of people have a PhD, it helps to compare doctoral degrees to other graduate credentials:

Master's Degrees

• Percentage of Americans: ~13.7%
• Ratio: About 7 master's degrees are awarded for every PhD
• Time to complete: Typically 1-2 years
• Focus: Advanced professional skills and specialized knowledge

Professional Degrees (MD, JD, DVM, etc.)

• Percentage of Americans: ~2.4%
• Ratio: Slightly more common than research doctorates
• Time to complete: Typically 3-4 years post-bachelor's
• Focus: Practice in specific professional fields

Comparison Summary

A PhD remains rarer than a master's degree but comparable in prevalence to professional degrees. However, PhDs require:

• Longer time commitments (5-7 years vs. 1-4 years)
• Original research contributions
• Dissertation defense
• Training in research methodology and academic scholarship

The distinct nature of the PhD—focused on creating new knowledge rather than applying existing knowledge—makes it fundamentally different from other graduate degrees.

Regional Variation: PhD Attainment Across U.S. States

The percentage of people with PhDs varies considerably across U.S. geography (2022 ACS data):

States with Highest PhD Attainment

1. District of Columbia: ~8.5% (influenced by federal research agencies)
2. Massachusetts: ~3.8% (concentration of research universities)
3. Maryland: ~3.6% (proximity to federal research centers)
4. Connecticut: ~3.3%
5. Vermont: ~3.2%

States with Lowest PhD Attainment

1. West Virginia: ~1.0%
2. Arkansas: ~1.1%
3. Mississippi: ~1.2%
4. Nevada: ~1.2%
5. Louisiana: ~1.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 state-level estimates

These regional differences reflect:

• Concentration of research universities and institutions
• Presence of federal research facilities and national labs
• State investment in higher education
• Economic opportunities for PhD holders
• Migration patterns of highly educated workers

The Bottom Line: How Rare Is a PhD?

Let's answer the core question directly with context:

In the United States: Only 2 out of every 100 adults hold a doctoral degree. This makes PhD holders a small, elite group representing the highest level of educational achievement.

Globally: The percentage drops to approximately 0.5-1.0% (estimated), making PhDs even rarer on the world stage.

Among college graduates: Even among those who earn bachelor's degrees, only about 5% will eventually complete a PhD.

What This Means for You

If you're considering a PhD:

• You would join a select 2% of the population with this credential
• Your expertise would be rare and valuable in research, academia, and specialized industries
• The commitment is substantial but the credential remains prestigious and professionally significant
• Market dynamics matter—some fields have strong demand for PhDs, others face oversupply

If you hold a PhD:

• Your achievement is statistically exceptional and represents years of dedicated scholarly work
• Your training provides distinctive capabilities in research, critical analysis, and specialized knowledge
• You are part of the community that drives innovation and knowledge creation globally

Beyond the Numbers: The Value Proposition

While understanding what percentage of people have a PhD provides useful context, the decision to pursue one should extend beyond statistics. Consider:

The PhD Is Right For You If:

• You have genuine passion for research and inquiry
• You want to contribute original knowledge to your field
• You seek careers in academia, R&D, or specialized research
• You're prepared for 5-7 years of intensive study
• You can manage financial constraints during the training period

The PhD May Not Be Right If:

• Your primary goal is income maximization (ROI varies significantly)
• You're pursuing it to delay career decisions
• You lack specific research interests
• You prefer applied work over theoretical research
• You're responding to external pressure rather than internal motivation

Conclusion: A Rare But Achievable Credential

The statistics are clear: only 2% of Americans and approximately 1% of people globally hold doctoral degrees. This rarity reflects the substantial commitment, rigorous standards, and specialized nature of PhD training.

However, these numbers also reveal opportunity. With an estimated 54,000+ PhDs awarded annually in the U.S. alone, thousands of individuals successfully complete this journey each year. The demographic trends show increasing diversity and evolving field preferences, suggesting the doctoral education landscape continues to adapt.

Whether you're evaluating your own educational path, advising students, or simply satisfying curiosity, understanding that PhDs remain rare but attainable provides important context. The 2% figure represents not just exclusivity, but the collective expertise of millions of individuals who have pushed the boundaries of human knowledge.

If you're considering joining their ranks, base your decision on passion for research, clear career goals, and realistic understanding of the commitment involved. The statistics show that a PhD remains one of the most prestigious educational achievements—and one of the most transformative personal journeys you can undertake.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people have PhDs in the world?

While exact global figures are difficult to determine due to inconsistent international reporting, rough estimates suggest approximately 40+ million people worldwide hold doctoral degrees, representing an estimated 0.5-1.0% of the global adult population. This estimate should be treated as approximate given data limitations.

What state has the highest percentage of PhDs?

The District of Columbia has the highest PhD attainment rate at approximately 8.5% (2022 data), largely due to the concentration of federal research agencies and policy institutions. Among states, Massachusetts leads at 3.8%.

Are PhDs becoming more common?

Yes, but slowly. PhD attainment in the U.S. has grown from approximately 1.0% in 1980 to 2.0% in 2022. However, growth has plateaued in recent years, with annual doctorate production remaining relatively stable at 54,000-55,000 since 2015.

What percentage of the population has a master's degree?

Approximately 13.7% of Americans aged 25 and older hold a master's degree, making it significantly more common than doctoral degrees (2.0%).

How does PhD attainment vary by field?

Engineering produces the most PhDs (18% of all doctorates), followed by life sciences (16.5%) and physical sciences (10.2%). Humanities and business fields produce smaller shares of total PhDs.

Do more men or women have PhDs?

Historically, men earned most PhDs, but as of 2022, women earn 51.6% of all research doctorates in the U.S. Among current PhD holders (all ages), men still slightly outnumber women (2.2% vs. 1.8%) due to historical trends.

What's the average age to complete a PhD?

The median age at PhD completion is 31-33 years in the United States, though this varies by field. STEM PhDs tend to be completed earlier, while humanities PhDs often take longer.

Is a PhD worth it financially?

Lifetime earnings for doctoral degree holders vary significantly by field, but some estimates suggest cumulative earnings of $3.4+ million on average—roughly 25-30% more than bachelor's degree holders in comparable fields. However, ROI varies dramatically by discipline (STEM vs. humanities), and the 5-7 year opportunity cost plus potential student debt must be considered.

Note: Earnings estimates are based on median lifetime earnings projections and vary widely by field, industry, and career path. Sources include Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce and U.S. Census Bureau earnings data.

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