A groundbreaking study has revealed that Americans with college degrees live nearly 11 years longer on average compared to those who don't complete high school, highlighting a growing divide in health outcomes based on educational achievement.
The comprehensive research, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, analyzed death records and population data across all U.S. counties from 2000 to 2019.
The findings paint a stark picture: college graduates can expect to live to age 84, while those without a high school diploma face a life expectancy of just 73.5 years. This gap has widened considerably from 8.2 years in 2000 to 10.7 years in 2019.
The disparity becomes even more pronounced at the county level. In certain regions, adults without high school diplomas may only live into their late 50s or early 60s, while college graduates in the same areas often reach their 80s.
Geographic variations play a notable role. Central Colorado shows higher life expectancy across all education levels, while the Southeast, Appalachia, and South Dakota demonstrate consistently lower numbers. California stands out with notable improvements in life expectancy among non-high school graduates, possibly due to its large Mexican immigrant population who typically show better health outcomes despite lower education levels.
The research suggests multiple factors contribute to this education-longevity connection. College graduates often secure better-paying jobs, have improved healthcare access, maintain healthier lifestyles, and live in environments more conducive to good health.
While college graduates saw their life expectancy increase by 2.5 years during the study period, those without a high school diploma showed no improvements. People with some college education or a high school diploma experienced modest gains of less than one year.
This research underscores how educational opportunities shape health outcomes throughout a person's lifetime, suggesting that addressing educational disparities could be key to reducing health inequities across the United States.