New U.S. Census data released last week shows that Greater Washington once again tops all other U.S. metro regions in educational attainment. In fact, just over 46% of Greater Washington’s population over the age of 25 has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This is an increase of nearly 4% since 2000. San Jose ranks 2nd at a little over 43%.

Greater Washington also has the highest percentage of people with advanced degrees, at almost 22%, again ahead of San Jose which has 18%. This is an increase of 3% since 2000.

This data is consistent with and reinforces the fact that Greater Washington is a leading talent capital. In March, the Greater Washington Initiative released a study, titled “Human Capital: Greater Washington’s Knowledge Workers,” which showed that Greater Washington boasts the nation’s highest concentration of knowledge workers among all metro areas with more than one million residents.

In addition, the Greater Washington Initiative’s 2007 Regional Report showed that 44% of Greater Washington’s foreign-born population of 25 or older has a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Greater Washington has more than 50 colleges and universities based in the region, with approximately 400,000 residents enrolled (29% in graduate programs). Greater Washington ranks first among major metropolitan areas for attracting and retaining recent university graduates – performing 60% better than the national average.

It’s no wonder that smart people make smart regions, and that’s why Greater Washington continues to recruit and retain the best and smartest companies.

Filed under: Demographics, Economy, GWI News