Glitch in the gradient: Additional education does not uniformly equal better health

► This study determined the health gradient for multiple health outcomes across detailed educational categories in the US. ► We found a 'glitch' in the health gradient for adults with some college and with associate degrees. ► These groups reported more health problems and conditions than high school graduates who have less education. ► Reporting bias and reverse causality are unlikely to explain this pattern. ► We urge researchers to use a detailed classification of postsecondary educational attainment in future research.