Economic inequality persists despite high education among U.S. Muslims
While 36% of Muslims hold college degrees—matching the national average—one-third of Muslim households earn less than $30,000 a year
CHICAGO, United States (MNTV) – Despite high levels of education and civic participation, U.S. Muslims continue to face deep economic disparities, according to findings from the 2025 American Muslim Poll by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU).
While 36% of Muslims hold college degrees—matching the national average—one-third of Muslim households earn less than $30,000 a year.
This gap is particularly sharp among Black and Arab Muslims, who face higher unemployment and wage barriers.
Researchers attributed these inequalities to structural discrimination, limited access to leadership pipelines, and unequal hiring practices in corporate and government sectors.
The report found that even among employed Muslims, income disparities persist between men and women, and between white Muslims and Muslims of color.
These patterns, ISPU said, mirror wider racial and gender divides in the U.S. economy.
The institute called for stronger anti-discrimination enforcement in workplaces, faith-based financial literacy programs, and public policies that expand economic mobility for marginalized Muslim groups.
It also urged private employers to include Muslim identity in diversity and inclusion frameworks.
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