If, as the ancient poet Virgil said, “The greatest wealth is health,” then college graduates are well-off indeed. Of the many benefits of higher education, none may be as valuable as the positive impact on the health of graduates and their children.
Research consistently shows that individuals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. Studies show that college graduates:
- Have lower mortality rates
- Have healthier children
- Are more likely to report they are in very good or excellent health
- Are more likely to have health insurance
- Have access to better health care
- Are more “health literate”— accessing health information in newspapers, magazines, books and on the Internet rather than relying on radio and television
- Are less likely to smoke
- Are more likely to exercise regularly
- Have healthier diets
- Have lower rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease
- Miss fewer days of work due to illness
The health benefits of higher education apply to college graduates regardless of differences in income, wealth and ethnicity. Why? Studies show that the skills, attitudes and patterns of thought fostered by education lead to more responsible health-related behaviors.
That’s something to celebrate.
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