Facts About Literacy

USA Facts

Over 43 million adults residing in the United States lack the ability to read, write, or perform fundamental math skills beyond that of a third-grade level.

The Cost of Low Literacy

Elevating the reading proficiency of all adults to a level comparable to that of sixth graders would result in an extra $2.2 trillion in yearly income for the nation.

Research suggests that low adult literacy skills contribute to healthcare costs ranging from $106 billion to $238 billion annually.

Individuals with educational attainment below a high school diploma experience the lowest median weekly earnings ($592), which is three times less than those with the highest level of education.

English Language Learners

With the highest immigrant population globally, the United States accommodates approximately one-fifth of the world's immigrants.

Only 53% of immigrants demonstrate proficiency in the English language, indicating that approximately half of them are fluent English speakers

Individuals with an educational attainment lower than a high school diploma earn the lowest median weekly earnings of $592, which is three times lower than those with the highest level of education.

Family Literacy

The reading proficiency of a mother emerges as the primary factor influencing her children's future academic achievements, surpassing other elements such as neighborhood and family income.

Children of parents with lower levels of education face significantly higher odds of becoming low-skilled adults. In the United States, adults with limited education and parents who also have limited education are ten times more likely to possess low skills compared to individuals whose parents have higher levels of education.

ProLiteracy. (n.d.). ProLiteracy., from https://www,proliteracy.org