In a recent study conducted by economists at Princeton University, it has been illuminated that a profound gap in life expectancy exists between individuals possessing college degrees and those without. The research, detailed in The Economist, scrutinized demographic data within the United States and unearthed noteworthy findings.
Despite the robust economic performance witnessed in the United States over the past two decades, particularly in terms of economic growth, markers of well-being, particularly life expectancy, have displayed less impressive outcomes. The study, authored by Princeton economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton, emphasizes that in 2021, 25-year-old Americans without a four-year college degree were projected to live approximately a decade less on average compared to their college-educated counterparts.
This revelation builds upon a discernible trend that has gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on life expectancy, assessed through mortality data across various age groups. While the nation has experienced burgeoning wealth, the United States has fallen behind other industrialized nations in terms of life expectancy. A generation ago, the U.S. held a mid-tier position among these nations, but it now trails most other affluent countries. The Economist points out that even prior to the pandemic, the likelihood of premature death among Americans was on the rise, contributing to a gradual decline in overall life expectancy. This increase in mortality rates has been attributed to factors such as drug overdoses, shootings, and vehicular accidents.
The study’s authors underscore that “Americans with a college degree, if considered a separate entity, would rank among the top performers globally, just below Japan.”
This positive differential is predominantly attributable to the fact that college graduates typically enjoy higher incomes and possess a greater capacity to shield themselves from various risks when compared to non-graduates. However, it is noteworthy that even degree-holding Americans face a heightened risk of falling victim to violence or drug overdoses in comparison to their counterparts in other countries, though they may not necessarily succumb to cancer. This underscores the role of inequality as a pivotal factor contributing to the broader decline in mortality rates within the United States, as reported by The Economist.
