8 answers, 2 from the Marshall Islands's own official bodies, with a link to each figure.
88.0% of people aged 5 and over in the Marshall Islands were literate at the 2021 census, according to EPPSO's census analytical report. The rate was 90.7% in Majuro, 85.4% in Kwajalein and 83.6% in rural areas, and 92.7% among people aged 15 to 49.
Literacy in the census is self-reported by households, not tested. The figure for all ages over 5 is lowered by young children: 61.2% of 5 to 9 year olds were reported literate. Rates were about the same for men and women. The report notes that Majuro, the capital, attracts people seeking jobs that need more education, which partly explains its higher rate.
50.7% of people aged 25 and over in the Marshall Islands were high school graduates at the 2021 census, up from 42.9% in 2011 and 23% in 1980, according to EPPSO's census analytical report. The rate was 52.7% for men and 48.8% for women.
The census asked for the highest level completed, so this measures the adult population, not current students. The report notes a gap between places: about 55% of adults in the urban centres, Majuro and Kwajalein, had finished high school, against 34% in rural areas. About 5% of adults were college graduates. Emigration of young adults, many leaving for study or work, also affects the figure.
The figures below use one definition for every country, so they can differ from national figures.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2016, is 73.2%. That compares with 96.3% in 2002. East Asia & Pacific median: 94.2%; the Marshall Islands is 19th highest of 20. Worldwide: 126th of 133.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2024, is 85.8%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 73.8% (2005) to 94.7% (2021). It is 12th highest of 16 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 92.0%. Of 100 countries with 2024 data, 73rd highest.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts gross tertiary enrolment in the Marshall Islands at 37.7% in 2024. Since 2012 it has ranged from 29.4% (2012) to 41.3% (2022). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 47.4%, and the Marshall Islands placed 11th highest of 15. Of 90 countries with 2024 data, 57th highest.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2021, is 95.8%. It was 98.3% in 2011. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 95.8%, and the Marshall Islands placed 3rd highest of 5. World rank, highest first: 11th of 43.
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts government spending on education in the Marshall Islands at 7.7% of GDP in 2022. That compares with 11.8% of GDP in 2003. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 4.5% of GDP, and the Marshall Islands placed 5th highest of 22. Of 155 countries with 2022 data, 7th highest.
The latest figure from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, for 2024, is 98.5%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 90.8% (2016) to 107.1% (2021). It is 11th highest of 20 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 98.9%. Of 104 countries with 2024 data, 34th highest.
Read on 14 October 2026. Definitions · Report an error