Age distribution among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are ages…
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Educational distribution
18-29
30-49
50-64
65+
Sample size
High school or less
39%
32%
19%
10%
2,476
Some college
41%
34%
18%
7%
2,449
College
27%
43%
20%
10%
2,778
Post-graduate degree
12%
47%
25%
16%
2,095
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Generational cohort among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are…
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Educational distribution
Younger Millennial
Older Millennial
Generation X
Baby Boomer
Silent
Greatest
Sample size
High school or less
29%
17%
26%
22%
6%
1%
2,476
Some college
27%
24%
25%
20%
4%
< 1%
2,449
College
11%
26%
33%
24%
6%
< 1%
2,778
Post-graduate degree
2%
20%
37%
30%
10%
1%
2,095
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Gender composition among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are…
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Educational distribution
Men
Women
Sample size
High school or less
61%
39%
2,499
Some college
55%
45%
2,479
College
53%
47%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
52%
48%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Racial and ethnic composition among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who identify as…
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Educational distribution
White
Black
Asian
Latino
Other/Mixed
Sample size
High school or less
61%
12%
5%
17%
5%
2,459
Some college
68%
9%
6%
11%
6%
2,430
College
73%
5%
11%
7%
4%
2,773
Post-graduate degree
72%
3%
17%
5%
3%
2,114
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Immigrant status among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are…
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Educational distribution
Immigrants
Second generation
Third generation or higher
Sample size
High school or less
16%
12%
72%
2,440
Some college
11%
14%
75%
2,440
College
17%
13%
70%
2,810
Post-graduate degree
25%
13%
62%
2,121
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Income distribution among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who have a household income of…
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Educational distribution
Less than $30,000
$30,000-$49,999
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000 or more
Sample size
High school or less
49%
22%
19%
10%
2,139
Some college
34%
22%
27%
16%
2,226
College
15%
17%
34%
33%
2,568
Post-graduate degree
10%
11%
30%
50%
1,922
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Marital status among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are…
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Educational distribution
Married
Living with a partner
Divorced/separated
Widowed
Never married
Sample size
High school or less
30%
11%
12%
4%
43%
2,487
Some college
33%
12%
13%
3%
39%
2,469
College
49%
11%
8%
2%
29%
2,811
Post-graduate degree
61%
9%
9%
3%
18%
2,145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Parent of children under 18 among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are…
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Educational distribution
Parents
Non-parents
Sample size
High school or less
26%
74%
2,490
Some college
25%
75%
2,469
College
27%
73%
2,831
Post-graduate degree
31%
69%
2,147
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in God among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say they…
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Educational distribution
Believe in God; absolutely certain
Believe in God; fairly certain
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain
Believe in God; don't know
Do not believe in God
Other/don't know if they believe in God
Sample size
High school or less
39%
23%
11%
1%
23%
4%
2,499
Some college
31%
24%
10%
1%
29%
6%
2,479
College
23%
20%
12%
1%
37%
7%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
21%
23%
13%
1%
36%
7%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Importance of religion in one's life among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say religion is…
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Educational distribution
Very important
Somewhat important
Not too important
Not at all important
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
24%
27%
20%
29%
1%
2,499
Some college
16%
23%
27%
33%
2%
2,479
College
13%
22%
26%
38%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
15%
22%
24%
38%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Attendance at religious services among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who attend religious services…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month/a few times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
9%
27%
64%
< 1%
2,499
Some college
7%
27%
66%
1%
2,479
College
7%
28%
64%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
10%
31%
59%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of prayer among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who pray…
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Educational distribution
At least daily
Weekly
Monthly
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
29%
12%
8%
51%
1%
2,499
Some college
24%
12%
8%
56%
1%
2,479
College
19%
10%
6%
63%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
21%
10%
7%
61%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who attend prayer group…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
9%
5%
5%
80%
< 1%
2,499
Some college
6%
4%
4%
85%
1%
2,479
College
5%
4%
6%
84%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
7%
4%
7%
82%
< 1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of meditation among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who meditate…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
27%
8%
4%
59%
2%
2,499
Some college
31%
11%
5%
52%
1%
2,479
College
31%
10%
6%
52%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
33%
10%
7%
49%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
39%
14%
10%
35%
2%
2,499
Some college
44%
16%
9%
29%
2%
2,479
College
45%
17%
12%
24%
2%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
44%
17%
15%
23%
2%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
43%
13%
11%
31%
2%
2,499
Some college
52%
16%
11%
20%
1%
2,479
College
49%
18%
15%
17%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
47%
19%
17%
15%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
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Educational distribution
Religion
Philosophy/reason
Common sense
Science
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
13%
13%
60%
12%
2%
2,499
Some college
7%
19%
58%
14%
3%
2,479
College
6%
22%
48%
21%
3%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
6%
24%
44%
24%
3%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say…
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Educational distribution
There are clear standards for what is right and wrong
Right or wrong depends on the situation
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
23%
74%
1%
2%
2,499
Some college
20%
77%
2%
1%
2,479
College
17%
81%
1%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
17%
81%
2%
< 1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Frequency of reading scripture among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who read scripture…
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Educational distribution
At least once a week
Once or twice a month
Several times a year
Seldom/never
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
15%
8%
6%
70%
1%
2,499
Some college
12%
6%
6%
75%
1%
2,479
College
8%
5%
7%
79%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
10%
5%
8%
77%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Interpreting scripture among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say the holy scripture is…
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Educational distribution
Word of God; should be taken literally
Word of God; not everything taken literally
Word of God; other/don't know
Not the word of God
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
19%
16%
2%
55%
8%
2,499
Some college
6%
11%
1%
72%
9%
2,479
College
5%
8%
1%
80%
7%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
4%
8%
1%
81%
7%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Heaven among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who …in heaven
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Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
52%
38%
10%
2,499
Some college
40%
50%
11%
2,479
College
26%
65%
10%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
24%
68%
9%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Belief in Hell among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who …in hell
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Educational distribution
Believe
Don't believe
Other/don't know
Sample size
High school or less
40%
51%
9%
2,499
Some college
28%
63%
9%
2,479
College
16%
77%
7%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
13%
80%
7%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Party affiliation among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who identify as…
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Educational distribution
Republican/lean Rep.
No lean
Democrat/lean Dem.
Sample size
High school or less
26%
29%
45%
2,499
Some college
24%
23%
54%
2,479
College
19%
15%
66%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
16%
12%
72%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Political ideology among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who are…
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Educational distribution
Conservative
Moderate
Liberal
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
24%
34%
30%
12%
2,499
Some college
18%
38%
37%
7%
2,479
College
13%
35%
49%
4%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
9%
34%
54%
3%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about size of government among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who would rather have…
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Educational distribution
Smaller government; fewer services
Bigger government; more services
Depends
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
45%
48%
3%
4%
2,499
Some college
50%
41%
4%
5%
2,479
College
42%
51%
4%
4%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
38%
55%
4%
3%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about government aid to the poor among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say government aid to the poor…
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Educational distribution
Does more harm than good
Does more good than harm
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
40%
53%
4%
3%
2,499
Some college
37%
58%
4%
2%
2,479
College
28%
66%
4%
2%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
23%
71%
4%
2%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about abortion among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say abortion should be…
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Educational distribution
Legal in all/most cases
Illegal in all/most cases
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
60%
34%
5%
2,499
Some college
75%
20%
5%
2,479
College
83%
13%
3%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
87%
11%
2%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about homosexuality among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say homosexuality…
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Educational distribution
Should be accepted
Should be discouraged
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
72%
21%
4%
4%
2,499
Some college
84%
11%
2%
3%
2,479
College
88%
8%
2%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
88%
8%
2%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about same-sex marriage among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who …same-sex marriage
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Educational distribution
Strongly favor/favor
Oppose/strongly oppose
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
64%
26%
9%
2,499
Some college
80%
14%
5%
2,479
College
86%
10%
4%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
86%
11%
4%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about environmental regulation among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say…
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Table
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Educational distribution
Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy
Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost
Neither/both equally
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
37%
56%
3%
5%
2,499
Some college
25%
70%
3%
2%
2,479
College
19%
77%
2%
1%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
14%
83%
2%
1%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.
Views about human evolution among Non-Christians by educational group
% of Non-Christians who say humans…
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Table
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Educational distribution
Evolved; due to natural processes
Evolved; due to God's design
Evolved; don't know how
Always existed in present form
Don't know
Sample size
High school or less
48%
18%
5%
25%
5%
2,499
Some college
61%
17%
5%
14%
2%
2,479
College
73%
12%
4%
8%
2%
2,836
Post-graduate degree
77%
9%
4%
8%
2%
2,156
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.