What Is the Relationship between Educational Levels and Alcohol Expenditures?

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey shows that there is a strong correlation between education levels and alcohol expenditures. People who have a bachelor's degree spend about $300 US Dollars (USD) more per year on alcohol than people who have an associate's degree and almost $400 USD more per year than people who have only a high school diploma. The difference in spending levels tapers off as education levels get higher, though.

More facts about alcohol expenditures:

  • People who have less than a high school diploma spend an average of a little more than $200 USD per year on alcoholic beverages, and people who have a master's degree or higher spend more than $700 USD per year on alcohol.

  • It's not entirely clear why the correlation between education levels and alcohol expenditures exists. It might be because people who have a higher level of education tend to have more disposable income or because they buy more expensive alcohol.

  • As of 2010, the percentage of people in the U.S. who consumed alcohol was the highest it had been since 1985, with about 67 percent of U.S. adults saying that they consumed alcohol.
More Info: www.bls.gov

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