College grads are trading chapel bells for career goals.
A new study published by Education Economics finds that college graduates are significantly less likely to get married, especially in their 20s and 30s.
Researchers from Iowa University analyzed US Census data from over 8 million Americans to determine how much higher education is shaking up the dating and marriage game.
“We found that education changes more than just a person’s resume – it also shifts their opportunities, timelines and expectations,” John V. Winters, professor of economics at Iowa State and co-author of the new study, said in a statement.
“From expanding career opportunities to increasing independence, education reshapes what we look for in a partner, as well as when we’re ready to commit and whether we want to marry at all.”
However, the plus side is that those who tie the knot later in life — after the career grind, the grad school hustle and maybe a few too many disastrous dates — are far less likely to get divorced.
It seems that the longer someone waits to say “I do” to someone because they’re focused on their career and independence — the more likely they are to be picky about who they choose as a life partner, if they do at all.
Back in the day, more than 80% of 25 to 34-year-olds were married, but today’s generation of young adults is waiting things out, considering that in 2023, that number had fallen to 38%, according to Census data.