A recent survey from Statistics Denmark reveals significant geographical differences in the proportion of residents pursuing higher education across Danish municipalities. The study, published Monday, highlights a disparity between municipalities north of Copenhagen and others, such as Lolland, Morsø, and Brøndby.

Gentofte Municipality leads with 74% of 25-45 year olds having attained a higher education in 2024. This is followed by other municipalities north of Copenhagen, including Rudersdal and Lyngby-Taarbæk.

In contrast, Lolland, Morsø, and Brøndby show a proportion of 39% for the same age group. These municipalities see a greater emphasis on medium-length higher education programs compared to the long higher education programs favored in areas with higher overall attainment.

Nationally, the average for 25-45 year olds with a higher education was 53% in 2024, marking a 12 percentage point increase since 2014. The proportion of individuals currently pursuing or having interrupted their higher education has remained steady at approximately 3-5% during this period.

The data indicates a correlation between parental education levels and children’s educational attainment. Statistics Denmark notes that children are more likely to pursue higher education if their parents have a higher educational background.

Specifically, 27% of 25-45 year olds whose parents’ highest level of education was primary school had attained a higher education in 2024. This contrasts sharply with the 78% of individuals in the same age group who had completed a higher education and whose parents had also attained a long higher education.