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Educational Attainment

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Educational attainment is "the highest level of schooling that a person has reached".^[1]

Why is this important?

Educational attainment is important for individuals and communities. When compared to people with lower levels of education, people with higher levels of education tend to have higher incomes, more secure employment, stronger literacy skills,^[2]and are more likely to vote.^[3]

Highest Level of Education

The chart below presents information, from the census, about the highest level of education of people age 25 to 64 in Guelph and Wellington County. Highest level of education is the most advanced certificate, diploma, or degree completed by a person.

Highest Level of Education of Population Age 25 to 64 Years

Key Findings

In 2021, a greater proportion of people (age 25 to 64 years) in Guelph had a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree (69%) than in Wellington County (60%; not including Guelph). In comparison, the proportion of people (age 25 to 64 years) with a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree in Ontario and Canada was 68% and 67%, respectively.

Since 2016 (the previous census year) the proportion of people (age 25 to 64 years) with a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree increased in Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, and Canada. At the same time, the proportion of people with an apprenticeship or trades certificate decreased.

In Guelph, a bachelor's degree or higher was the most common post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree held (41% of people age 25-64 years). In Wellington County, a college or other non-university certificate, diploma, or degree was most common (29% of people age 25-64 years).

A greater proportion of people (age 25 to 64 years) in Wellington County had no certificate, diploma, or degree (13%) or had high school as their highest level of education (27%), compared to Guelph, Ontario, and Canada.

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*Includes university certificate or diploma below bachelor level.

**Wellington County does not include the City of Guelph.

Source: Statistics Canada. 2022. (table). Census Profile. 2021 Census of Population. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 98-316-X2021001. Ottawa. Released November 30, 2022. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed December 22, 2022).

Looking for more information?

For more information about this measure please download the excel file below.

Download Full Dataset

Why is highest level of education important?

A person's level of education impacts their health and wellbeing in many ways. Educational qualifications help people compete in the job market and secure well-paying jobs. More years in school also contributes to a healthier, longer life.^[3]A parent's level of education impacts their child's education level and overall health.^[4]Those with more education also tend to report better self-rated health, smoke less, be less obese and exercise more.^[3]

Note

The census of the population is mandatory and conducted once every five years. The census gathers information from all Canadian citizens, landed immigrants and non-permanent residents (people who have a work or student permit or refugee status). The census captures information from the entire population about demographic, social, and economic characteristics.^[6]

References

[1] Statistics Canada. (2015). Educational attainment of person. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/concepts/definitions/education02

[2] Mikkonen, J. & Raphael, D. (2010). Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts. Toronto: York University School of Health Policy and Management. http://www.thecanadianfacts.org/The_Canadian_Facts.pdf

[3] OECD. (2006). Measuring the Effects of Education on Health and Civic Engagement Proceedings of the Copenhagen Symposium. https://www.oecd.org/edu/innovation-education/37437718.pdf

[4] Statistics Canada. (2013). National Household Survey Dictionary, 2011. Ministry of Industry.

[5] Turcotte, M. (2011). Intergenerational education mobility: University completion in relation to parents' education level. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2011002/article/11536-eng.htm

[6] Statistics Canada. (2021). Census of Population. http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&SDDS=3901