How happy are college graduates?

In a survey that utilized data from the U.S. General Social Surveys, 94% of people with a bachelor's degree or more reported feeling happy or very happy with their lives overall, while 89% of high school grads said the same.

What percentage of college students are happy?

Overall, about 75% of students are satisfied with their experience. This is consistent with the 2022 State of College Student Experience report by Qualtrics where 75% of students were satisfied.

What does graduating college say about you?

Finishing college takes dedication. By graduating, you show that you have the work ethic and desire to get the job done. Employers know that, while a degree isn't the sign you know everything, it is a sign that you aren't afraid of challenges and hard work.

How many college graduates are happy with their job?

Higher Job Satisfaction

Eighty-six percent of college graduates consider their job a career or a stepping stone to their career, while only 57 percent of high school graduates say the same. The majority of bachelor's degree holders—60 percent—say they are highly satisfied and their job is more than just a paycheck.

Is a college degree still worth it in 2023?

A college degree boosts your earning potential. The median earnings of workers with a bachelor's degree are 63% higher than the earnings of those who only have a high school diploma. So if a high school degree gets you $1,200 a week, a bachelor's degree gets you nearly $2,000 a week.

Some Rough Advice for the "Real World"

Are people happier after college?

In fact, college graduates live an average of seven years longer than their less-educated peers. College-educated adults tend to live happier lives. confidence, a better sense of independence, and stronger feelings of control over their lives. ⌘ College graduates tend to be more resilient and less depressed.

What is life like after graduating college?

For some students, financial realities enter the picture upon graduation as well, with more bills and expenses. The first few years after college are a significant transition that often bring anxiety, uncertainty and, at times, social isolation, experts say.

Why is college graduation so emotional?

Graduation not only can bring up feelings of excitement, pride, and anticipation, but also those of loss, discouragement, and fear. Feelings of loss are commonly felt by students as they face a multitude of changes in their lives.

Is graduating college a big deal?

College graduation marks a special moment in time — it's the culmination of years of education and, for many, the starting line of adulthood.

Are people happier in college than high school?

At the same time, there is robust evidence that people with college degrees are, on average, happier, healthier and more prosperous than those with less education.

Are college degrees losing value?

College seemed like a reliable runway to a life of comfort and affluence. A decade later, Americans' feelings about higher education have turned sharply negative. The percentage of young adults who said that a college degree is very important fell to 41 percent from 74 percent.

Can you be happy without a college degree?

Absolutely! Many people have found happiness and success without a college education. Success and happiness can be achieved through various paths, including entrepreneurship, vocational training, self-education, and other forms of personal and professional development.

What college is ranked #1 for happiest students?

What colleges have the least happy students?

According to the Princeton Review, Xavier University of Louisiana had the least happy students in the country. Simmons University ranked second, followed by Seton Hall. Emerson College came in 13^th while Suffolk University was 19th.

Why is life after college so hard?

Graduates have a hard time finding their purpose because the purpose-built into being a student — getting good grades, forming social connections, finishing their degrees — no longer exists. They can begin to feel lonely, sad, or unsure about what they should now do with their lives.

How do you cope with life after college?

Engage in things that are meaningful to you.

“Having a sense of purpose can help you cope with negative feelings,” O'Brien says. “If you're not yet employed or your job is more about what you're getting paid to do, then consider volunteering for something that brings meaning into your life.”

How old is the average person after graduating college?

People of all ages attend college because college doesn't discriminate age-wise. The average for those graduating with a bachelor's degree is around 25 years old, however, most people graduate with a bachelor's degree at 22 years old.

What is the average lifespan of a college graduate?

Life expectancy at age 25 (adult life expectancy) for those with four-year college degrees rose to 59 years on the eve of the pandemic — so an average individual would live to 84 — up from 54 years (or 79 years old) in 1992. During the pandemic, by 2021, the expectation slipped a year.

Is college life fun or stressful?

However, college life can be difficult for some people as well, particularly those who are still transitioning from high school to college. While college can bring exciting new opportunities to students, it can also provide additional stress and anxiety with the amount of work and energy demanded.

What majors are the happiest?

Perhaps a surprising degree on this list, engineering consistently ranks among the happiest degrees — primarily for the job security and high salary awaiting students after graduation. There are all sorts of engineering disciplines for students to explore to find a field that they feel passionate about and capable in.

What college had the happiest students?

Vanderbilt University and Brown University are two well-known examples. The University of Dallas and the College of William and Mary are also significant.

Is college really the best 4 years of your life?

While the view that college is supposed to be the best four years of a person's life is likely not held by all, in society there is a very large preface put on the enjoyment of the college experience over the personal development and career preparedness that could come of it.