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College graduates are healthier and live longer.

83% of college graduates reported being in excellent health, while 73% of high school graduates reported the same. [11] A 2018 University of Southern California study found that adults over 65 with college degrees spent more years with “good cognition” and fewer years suffering from dementia than adults who did not complete high school. [120] In 2008, 20% of all adults were smokers, while 9% of college graduates were smokers. [11] 63% of 25 to 34 year old college graduates reported exercising vigorously at least once a week compared to 37% of high school graduates. [11] College degrees were linked to lower blood pressure in a 30-year peer-reviewed study and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) by a Carnegie Mellon Psychology department study. [15] In 2008, 23% of college graduates aged 35 to 44 years old were obese compared to 37% of high school graduates. [11] College graduates, on average, live six years longer than high school graduates. [19] [20]

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