College Board’s study, “Education Pays,” illustrates how a college degree benefits society and individual graduates. Last week’s column cited statistics drawn from this recent report to show that college graduates are likely to make more money than high school graduates, and also use fewer expensive social services. They also have lower levels of obesity and produce fewer children with low birth weight — both considered indicators of family health.
What evidence does “Education Pays” produce that college graduates are not only healthy and wealthy, but also wise? Any definition of wisdom is subjective, but I count making good choices and contributing to society as important to maturity and wisdom.
Smoking rates declined between 1998 and 2008; everyone is making better choices in this area. But for college graduates, the rate decreased dramatically: from 14 percent to 9 percent. The smoking rate for high school graduates decreased from 29 percent to 27 percent. These statistics have repercussions on health, as well.
Using altruism as a measure of maturity, the volunteering rate among college graduates is far higher than the rate for high school graduates: 43 percent of college graduates volunteered a median of 54 hours in the 2008-2009 school year, whereas only 19 percent of high school graduates volunteered a median of 48 hours. Participation in elections also showed huge gaps at every age level; in the 2008 presidential election, the voting gap between college graduates and high school graduates was 32 percentage points in ages 25-44, and 20 percentage points in ages 45-64.
Not surprisingly, college graduates participate in more educational activities with their children, thereby preparing them better for school. 68 percent read to their children daily, compared with 41 percent of high school graduates. This creates a circular effect where the children of college-educated parents are more likely to attend college themselves. We’ve all seen evidence supporting this within our own communities.
Does the College Board report claim that a college degree will cause a graduate to attain health, wealth, and wisdom? Never. Every conclusion based on the studies they cite carefully explains that college graduates are “more likely” to attain more desirable levels in each category. We all know college graduates who do not have lucrative jobs, who don’t take care of their health, or who might not be interested in either voting or volunteering. And we know high school graduates who have overcome the odds and become stars in all these areas. There is no causation, but there is a greater likelihood that college graduates will do better in life — just as driving sober and using a seat belt doesn’t guarantee you won’t have an accident, but they do decrease the odds of an accident.
From my own experience as a college teacher for more than three decades, I can vouch anecdotally for College Board’s conclusions. My George Mason University students have always been, on average, thoughtful, flexible, and interested in making something of themselves. The simple actions of attending classes and completing the work demonstrate their discipline and dedication. Attending college may not guarantee health, wealth, or wisdom, but it certainly increases our chances of attaining Ben Franklin’s desirable state of being.
