Reasons to go to college
That is the topic of my latest Free Press column, here is one excerpt: …college is a great place to make friends, date, and possibly meet a spouse. Those features are ever more important as America suffers a crisis of loneliness. Furthermore, if you think that artificial intelligence may displace a lot of jobs, or […] The post Reasons to go to college appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION .
This piece explores the various benefits of obtaining a college education, particularly in the realms of social connections, marriage, and overall well-being. College provides a unique environment for making friends, dating, and potentially finding a spouse, which is increasingly important as loneliness becomes a growing issue in America. The author notes that marrying well may become even more crucial in an era where artificial intelligence could displace jobs or reduce work hours.
One of the key points highlighted is that college-educated individuals are more likely to marry and stay married compared to those with only a high school diploma. The data indicates that college-educated individuals have a 64 percent chance of being married by the age of 25, while those with a high school diploma only have a 50 percent chance.
Furthermore, the likelihood of remaining married for at least 20 years is significantly higher for college-educated women at 78 percent, compared to 41 percent for women with only a high school education. For men, the difference is less pronounced but still notable, with 65 percent versus 47 percent.
The article also emphasizes the importance of social networks and connections formed during college. Those who graduate with a bachelor's degree are twice as likely to have six or more close friends and are less than half as likely to have no close friends at all. While it remains unclear whether attending college directly leads to these positive outcomes or if individuals who are more likely to succeed in life are simply more inclined to attend college, the author argues that it is still beneficial to have these advantages on one's side.
In conclusion, while the financial benefits of a college degree may be diminishing, the increased focus on friendships and marriage provided by higher education is likely to continue growing. The author acknowledges that this is not the sole reason for pursuing a college education, but contends that the social and marital advantages make it a more compelling option today than it was a few years ago.
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