“Knowledge itself is power.” –Francis Bacon, British philosopher and author 

Reading and writing are foundational skills with which everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or future ambitions, must be equipped. Here we’ll look at how literacy is linked to an individual’s socioeconomic status and potential, as well as statistics that support these connections. 

These Literacy Statistics Are Startling 

A concerning 21% of U.S. adults are unable to read and write. With a population of 258.3 million adults, that leaves greater than 54 million illiterate U.S. adults. Statistics from the Urban Institute’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal that a staggering two thirds of U.S. schoolchildren lack reading proficiency. Overall, the U.S. ranks 36th worldwide in literacy. These startling numbers equate to less opportunity for many Americans to get ahead.  

Obviously, much more work is needed on the literacy front. 

Illiteracy as a Barrier to Socioeconomic Advancement 

Literacy is crucial to securing college admission and any job resulting from earning a higher education degree. 

College Admissions  

High school students must have good grades to graduate and apply to college, and to pass tests such as the SAT and ACT where required. Performance in any pre-admission interviews, as well as the quality of the application itself, may also indicate one’s literacy level. Illiteracy creates a barrier not only to admission but to success in higher education because college students must be able to read and write at a more advanced levels than were ever previously required of them. 

College is the bridge to better socioeconomic status for many Americans. According to data published by the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, college graduates are 24% more likely to secure employment than those who only finish high school. 

Career Potential 

Literate individuals can pursue a broader range of career paths, including many well-paid and highly skilled positions. Those lacking literacy skills face limited options, often encountering challenges in securing even entry-level jobs with basic skill requirements, including positions that may or may not require a college education.  

Despite the need for literacy skills in the professional setting, an estimated 36 million U.S. adults are unable to read and write well enough to qualify for jobs that will enable them to support a family. Individuals in this situation are often unable to improve their socioeconomic status. 

The Proven Earning Potential of Education 

U.S. government data confirms a clear correlation between education and employment, professional advancement, and earning potential: the higher the academic credential an individual acquires, the greater the employment and earning potential they are likely to experience. Education—the core of which is literacy—has a direct impact on socioeconomic potential, if not status. 

Master’s degree holders, for example, earn ~16% higher median wages than bachelor’s degree holders and ~93% more than those with a high school diploma alone. High school graduates earn ~27% more than those who never finish high school. Education also enables individuals to manage their finances effectively, invest in their future, and escape the cycle of poverty. 

Help foster greater literacy among Americans of all ages! Start by equipping educators with the expertise to empower their students with the reading and writing skills necessary to flourish in all aspects of their lives. You can do so as a certified reading specialist or in many related education roles. 

Elevate Educators and Your Own Professional Potential 

At 30 credits, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Literacy translates to a career-defining, life-changing credential you can earn in under two years. As a student in our program, you’ll:  

  • Receive up to $4,000 a year toward your UTPB MA in literacy with a TEACH grant, if eligible. 
  • Complete studies at your own pace from practically any location in the world while meeting your professional and personal responsibilities.  
  • Learn from faculty widely acknowledged for their extensive experience in and enthusiasm for literacy education. 
  • Graduate better prepared for the Texas Education Agency (TEA)’s reading specialist certification. (Consult your state’s certification agency or email Dr. Tara Wilson for requirements outside Texas.) 

See more details about our MA in literacy program and apply today!