Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

20 Least Educated Cities in America

In this article, we will be looking at the 20 least educated cities in America. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the US education market, you can go directly to 5 Least Educated Cities in America.

Education in America: A Crisis Unfolding in Silence

The US boasts a diverse educational landscape, with some cities achieving exceptional levels of educational attainment while others face persistent challenges with illiteracy and low educational outcomes. You can also take a look at the most educated cities in the US.

Even with the United States ranking high among the most advanced countries in education, the literacy levels of US adults are a cause for concern. As reported by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 2021, around 54% of US adults read below a sixth-grade level. Moreover, children of parents who lack literacy proficiency have a 72% chance of being at the lowest level of literacy when they become adults themselves. This can create a cycle of illiteracy that can span generations.

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), literacy skills have a profound impact not only on employment prospects but also on personal and social well-being. In the US, individuals with low literacy skills are four times more likely to be in poor health compared to those with the highest proficiency levels.

Despite the largely unrecognized literacy crisis in the US, there are several organizations and companies that are working to foster change and improve the current educational landscape.

The US Education Market and Major Players

According to a report by Zion Market Research, the US education market was valued at $1.1 trillion in 2020. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during 2021-2028, reaching $2.3 trillion by the end of the forecast period. The growing demand for workers with higher education qualifications and a knowledge-based workforce in the US is driving demand for educational services. New and innovative higher education programs are expected to influence the market positively in the coming years.

There is a growing demand for alternative education options. These include online learning, blended learning, and competency-based education. Moreover, generative AI tools and chatbots such as ChatGPT have already become popular learning tools around the world. Despite this, there is an ongoing debate about the misuse of AI tools for homework cheating.

Technology is becoming increasingly important in education, and this is having a major impact on the way teachers teach and students learn. There is a strong demand for technology to personalize learning, provide access to educational resources, and improve communication and collaboration. As a result educational technology, or edtech, is expected to surge in popularity in the coming years.

Some of the biggest edtech companies that are operating in the US are Udemy, Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY), 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU), and Chegg, Inc. (NYSE:CHGG).

Chegg, Inc. (NYSE:CHGG) is a direct-to-students learning platform and an education technology company based in the US. It has become a popular destination for high school and college students who are seeking online educational support. Chegg, Inc. (NYSE:CHGG) provides digital and physical textbook rentals, online tutoring, homework help, and other educational services. On October 30, Chegg, Inc. (NYSE:CHGG) reported strong earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023, reflecting strong demand for online learning. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.18, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.01. The company reported a revenue of $157.85 million and outperformed revenue estimates by $5.72 million.

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Udemy, Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY) is an edtech company that provides an online learning and teaching platform. As a global destination for online learning that aims to empower organizations and individuals with flexible and effective skill development, Udemy, Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY) offers more than 210,000 courses to over 67 million learners around the world. On October 4, Udemy, Inc. (NASDAQ:UDMY) announced that it is teaming up with Docker to empower developers with the skills they need to efficiently build, share, and run applications. Docker is a platform that helps developers build, share, and run container applications. This collaboration will focus on providing an unmatched experience to more than 20 million aspiring and experienced Docker developers, giving them easier access to education and skills. Through dedicated learning paths and immediate access to new product training through the Docker Certified Instructor program, this partnership will help developers stay ahead of the latest technology and industry advancements.

2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) is an American edtech company that contracts colleges and universities to offer and support online degree and non-degree programs. It is also the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform that was developed by Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to make high quality education available to everyone. On August 2, 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) reported that edX announced a new partnership with Arcadia University to create a new online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) program that is expected to launch in January 2024. The partnership also includes a first-of-its-kind doctorate-level micro-credential that will include a series of stackable courses to create affordable, flexible on-ramps to the full doctoral degree. The report also mentions that 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) has supported Arcadia University since 2019 in delivering a hybrid version of Arcadia’s nationally ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, which currently boasts an exceptional 100% licensure exam pass rate.

Now that we have talked about the educational landscape in the US and discussed what some of the major education companies are up to, let’s have a look at the 20 least educated cities in America.

Methodology

In this article, we have listed the 20 least educated cities in America. First, we identified the metropolitans in the country that had a population in excess of one million. We then consulted the Census Bureau’s QuickFacts database. This database showed us the percentage of individuals in each city who are 25 years old and over who have a bachelor’s degree or higher during 2017-2021. Finally, we narrowed down our selection to rank the 20 least educated cities in America based on the percentage of the population 25 years and older having a bachelor’s degree or higher.

20 Least Educated Cities in America

20. Miami, Florida

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 33.1%

First up on our list of 20 least educated cities in America is Miami. Miami is a coastal metropolis and the second most populated city in the US state of Florida. The city is one of the largest tourism hubs in the US. About 33.1% of the population in Miami aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

19. Indianapolis, Indiana

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 32.9%

Indianapolis is the most populated city in the US state of Indiana. It is also the state capital. According to the most recent reported data, around 32.9% of the population in Indianapolis aged 25 and over has obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. The state of Indiana also ranks high among the least educated states in America.

18. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 32.5%

Philadelphia, also commonly referred to as Philly, is the most populated city in the US state of Pennsylvania. While education in Philadelphia is provided by many private and public institutions, it ranks at the number 18 spot on our list of least educated cities in America. Only about 32.5% of the population aged 25 or over in Philly have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

17. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 32.4%

Tulsa is a city on the Arkansas River and it is the second most populated city in the state of Oklahoma. Previously, Tulsa was known as the “Oil Capital of the World”. According to the most recent reported data, around 32.4% of the population in Tulsa aged 25 and over has obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

16. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 32.3%

Oklahoma City is the capital and most populated city of the state of Oklahoma. It is home to one of the world’s largest livestock markets. About 32.3% of the population in Oklahoma City aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

15. Phoenix, Arizona

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 30.6%

Phoenix is the state capital and the most populated city of the US state of Arizona. It is known for its sophisticated urban landscapes, warm desert climate, and southwest culture. About 30.6% of the population in Phoenix aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of least educated cities in America.

14. Jacksonville, Florida

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 30.2%

Jacksonville is the most populated city in Florida. It is also the largest city in terms of area in the contiguous United States. According to the most recent reported data, around 30.2% of the population in Jacksonville aged 25 and over has obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

13. Buffalo, New York

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 29.4%

Buffalo is a city in the state of New York and a major flour-milling hub. The city is also known for its winter weather and Buffalo wings. About 29.4% of the population in Buffalo aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

12. Tucson, Arizona

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 28.9%

Tucson is the second largest city in the US state of Arizona. It is known for its vibrant Mexican-American culture and desert landscapes. About 28.9% of the population in Tucson aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher, and it ranks among the top 12 on our list of least educated cities in America.

11. Rochester, New York

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 28.8%

Rochester is a city located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the US state of New York. Despite the fact that New York ranks among the most educated states in America, only around 28.8% of the population in the city of Rochester aged 25 and over has obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

10. Birmingham, Alabama

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 28.8%

Named after the city of Birmingham in England, Birmingham is a city in the US state of Alabama. The city is home to major industries including manufacturing and iron and steel production. About 28.8% of the population in Birmingham aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher. It ranks among the top 10 on our list of least educated cities in America.

9. San Antonio, Texas

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 27.3%

San Antonio is the second most populated city in the US state of Texas. It is best known for its River Walk and the Alamo. Only about 27.3% of the population in San Antonio aged 25 or over have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.

8. Memphis, Tennessee

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 27.1%

Memphis is a city on the Mississippi River. It is the second most populated city in the US state of Tennessee. Memphis is known as the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. Approximately 27.1% of the population in Memphis aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 25.9%

Las Vegas, or simply Vegas, is the most populated city in the US state of Nevada. Known as the entertainment capital of the world, the city is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and largest casino hotels. About 25.9% of the population in Las Vegas aged 25 or over has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Population Aged 25 and Over With a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 25.5%

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is the most populated city in the US state of Wisconsin. It’s known for its breweries and as a center for German-American culture. Only about 25.5% of the population in Milwaukee aged 25 or over have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher, and so it ranks high among the least educated cities in America.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Least Educated Cities in America.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 20 Least Educated Cities in America is published on Insider Monkey.

AI, Tariffs, Nuclear Power: One Undervalued Stock Connects ALL the Dots (Before It Explodes!)

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous.

Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already pushing global power grids to the brink.

Wall Street is pouring hundreds of billions into artificial intelligence—training smarter chatbots, automating industries, and building the digital future. But there’s one urgent question few are asking:

Where will all of that energy come from?

AI is the most electricity-hungry technology ever invented. Each data center powering large language models like ChatGPT consumes as much energy as a small city. And it’s about to get worse.

Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, issued a stark warning:

“The future of AI depends on an energy breakthrough.”

Elon Musk was even more blunt:

“AI will run out of electricity by next year.”

As the world chases faster, smarter machines, a hidden crisis is emerging behind the scenes. Power grids are strained. Electricity prices are rising. Utilities are scrambling to expand capacity.

And that’s where the real opportunity lies…

One little-known company—almost entirely overlooked by most AI investors—could be the ultimate backdoor play. It’s not a chipmaker. It’s not a cloud platform. But it might be the most important AI stock in the US owns critical energy infrastructure assets positioned to feed the coming AI energy spike.

As demand from AI data centers explodes, this company is gearing up to profit from the most valuable commodity in the digital age: electricity.

The “Toll Booth” Operator of the AI Energy Boom

  • It owns critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets, positioning it at the heart of America’s next-generation power strategy.
  • It’s one of the only global companies capable of executing large-scale, complex EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) projects across oil, gas, renewable fuels, and industrial infrastructure.
  • It plays a pivotal role in U.S. LNG exportation—a sector about to explode under President Trump’s renewed “America First” energy doctrine.

Trump has made it clear: Europe and U.S. allies must buy American LNG.

And our company sits in the toll booth—collecting fees on every drop exported.

But that’s not all…

As Trump’s proposed tariffs push American manufacturers to bring their operations back home, this company will be first in line to rebuild, retrofit, and reengineer those facilities.

AI. Energy. Tariffs. Onshoring. This One Company Ties It All Together.

While the world is distracted by flashy AI tickers, a few smart investors are quietly scooping up shares of the one company powering it all from behind the scenes.

AI needs energy. Energy needs infrastructure.

And infrastructure needs a builder with experience, scale, and execution.

This company has its finger in every pie—and Wall Street is just starting to notice.

Wall Street is noticing this company also because it is quietly riding all of these tailwinds—without the sky-high valuation.

While most energy and utility firms are buried under mountains of debt and coughing up hefty interest payments just to appease bondholders…

This company is completely debt-free.

In fact, it’s sitting on a war chest of cash—equal to nearly one-third of its entire market cap.

It also owns a huge equity stake in another red-hot AI play, giving investors indirect exposure to multiple AI growth engines without paying a premium.

And here’s what the smart money has started whispering…

The Hedge Fund Secret That’s Starting to Leak Out

This stock is so off-the-radar, so absurdly undervalued, that some of the most secretive hedge fund managers in the world have begun pitching it at closed-door investment summits.

They’re sharing it quietly, away from the cameras, to rooms full of ultra-wealthy clients.

Why? Because excluding cash and investments, this company is trading at less than 7 times earnings.

And that’s for a business tied to:

  • The AI infrastructure supercycle
  • The onshoring boom driven by Trump-era tariffs
  • A surge in U.S. LNG exports
  • And a unique footprint in nuclear energy—the future of clean, reliable power

You simply won’t find another AI and energy stock this cheap… with this much upside.

This isn’t a hype stock. It’s not riding on hope.

It’s delivering real cash flows, owns critical infrastructure, and holds stakes in other major growth stories.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 100+% Return within 12 to 24 months.

We’re now offering month-to-month subscriptions with no commitments.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 per month, you can unlock our in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99.

2. Enjoy a month of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the Trump tariff and nuclear energy company as well as the revolutionary AI-robotics company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…