The Value of a College Degree Varies Across the U.S.
The financial benefits of a bachelor's degree can differ significantly depending on your location. This eye-opening visualization reveals the surprising disparities in the value of a college education across the United States.
The College Degree Payoff: A State-by-State Analysis
The average value of a bachelor's degree varies widely across the U.S., from a mere $3,000 in Washington, D.C., to a whopping $24,000 in California. On average, a bachelor's degree boosts income by around $13,000, but this figure hides a fascinating story of regional differences.
But here's where it gets controversial: The financial return on education is heavily influenced by both your field of study and your location. This map, based on U.S. Census Bureau data, compares the median earnings of bachelor's degree holders to the average worker's income in each state.
Where a College Degree Pays Off the Most
In 2025, the nationwide median value added by a bachelor's degree is approximately $13,000 annually, but this figure varies dramatically by state. California leads the pack, with graduates earning about $23,732 more than the average worker. Other top states include Georgia ($19,110), New York ($18,783), and Texas ($18,084). These states tend to have high concentrations of tech, finance, and professional service jobs, where educational credentials significantly impact pay scales.
Where the Degree Gap Is Smallest
Conversely, some states show minimal differences in earnings between college graduates and other workers. Washington, D.C., for instance, has a small premium for a bachelor's degree, just $3,000, due to the city's high baseline income. Interestingly, bachelor's degree holders in D.C. earn the most nationwide, with a median income exceeding $94,000 per year.
Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota also have low premiums, reflecting economies with strong blue-collar jobs that don't always require a degree.
The Impact of Location on Education's ROI
This visualization underscores the importance of location in determining the financial payoff of a college degree. It's not just about what you study, but also where you live and work. The data invites further exploration into the factors influencing these regional disparities and the implications for educational and career choices.
And this is the part most people miss: The Voronoi app, available on iOS and Android, offers a wealth of data-driven insights, including more visualizations on the impact of education on earnings and other fascinating economic trends.
Visualizing Grocery Costs Across U.S. Cities
Moving on to another intriguing topic, this visualization ranks U.S. cities based on the share of median household income spent on groceries. Detroit tops the list, with groceries taking up 3.78% of median monthly income. Affluent cities like Fremont, California, and San Jose spend the smallest share, showcasing the impact of local wages on everyday expenses.
The Rising Cost of Food in the U.S.
U.S. food prices have increased by over 2% this year compared to 2024, and they could continue to rise due to tariff policies. In 2024, the U.S. imported $221 billion in food, with liqueurs, baked goods, and coffee leading the list.
Global Demographics: A Surprising Age Gap
In a different but equally fascinating visualization, we explore global demographics by mapping the median age in every country. Africa stands out as the youngest region, with 21 countries reporting a median age below 20, while Europe and East Asia have some of the oldest populations.
Africa's demographic structure reflects high fertility and improved child survival rates, but it also hints at future challenges in job creation and education. Europe and East Asia, on the other hand, face issues with shrinking workforces and rising dependency ratios, particularly in healthcare and pensions.
What's your take on these visualizations? Do you find the regional disparities in the value of a college degree surprising? How do you think location influences the financial payoff of education? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to explore the Voronoi app for more captivating data-driven insights!
