How Women’s Careers and Family Lives are Impacted by Their College Selection

Study reveals that college selectivity affects the lives of females far more than their male counterparts.

According to a new study titled “Elite Schools and Opting-In: Effects of College Selectivity on Career and Family Outcomes,” college selectivity affects the lives of females in significantly different ways than men.  The study examined data from the 1996-97 College and Beyond Survey, a survey of college graduates from 34 “highly selective” colleges.  The study’s authors found that attending a selective college increased a woman’s chances of working by 2.3%.  Additionally, women who attended a more selective university also earned an average of 13.9% more than women who did not.  In contrast, men who attended selective universities saw virtually no effect on their hireabilty or average pay.

In regards to marriage, attending a more selective university also had striking impacts on female graduates.  First, the data showed that women who attended a more prestigious university were 3.9% less likely to be married in their late 30s.  While attending a selective school seemed to lower their probability of getting married, it actually improved a woman’s spousal characteristics.  The study’s authors theorized that women who attended good universities set higher thresholds and criteria for accepting a marriage proposal.

These are some of the ways in which college selectivity affects the lives of females in ways that differ from males.  Are you looking for a consulting firm with experience with higher education institutions or medical centers?  Then don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at McKnight Associates, Inc.  We are ready to offer you hands-on human resources consulting for colleges, universities, medical centers, and organizations of all sizes.