It’s well-documented that people with higher education levels are less likely to divorce than those with less schooling. In fact, divorce rates decline steadily as education rises. A 2013 Bureau of Labor Statistics study found:
*“The chance of a marriage ending in divorce decreases as educational attainment rises: over half of the marriages among people who did not complete high school ended in divorce compared with approximately 30 percent of marriages among the college graduates.”*¹
So, what’s really behind this? Is it simply about knowledge and income—or are there other deeper factors that explain why couples with higher education tend to stay together longer?
1. Greater Access to Resources and Counseling
College graduates are more likely to have higher incomes and better health benefits. This means when marital problems arise, they have the financial means to seek professional marriage counseling or even attend a private couples retreat before the relationship reaches a breaking point. Research suggests that couples who access early intervention services experience higher long-term satisfaction and lower divorce risk.²
2. Communication and Conflict Management Skills
Higher education doesn’t automatically make someone a great communicator—but it often teaches people how to articulate arguments, manage stress, and problem-solve under pressure. Studies show that educated couples report stronger conflict-resolution strategies, which reduces the likelihood of divorce.³
3. Delaying Marriage Until Later in Life
Another major factor is age at first marriage. Research consistently shows that people who marry later are less likely to divorce. College-educated individuals often delay marriage until after their degrees (and sometimes after establishing careers). By then, they may be more mature, financially stable, and intentional about choosing a long-term partner.⁴
4. Shared Values and Compatibility
People who meet in higher-education settings may share similar values, worldviews, and socioeconomic status—factors that tend to increase relationship stability. A shared background often makes navigating finances, parenting, and long-term goals easier.⁵
5. Financial Stability as a Buffer Against Stress
Money problems are one of the leading causes of divorce. While not all college graduates are wealthy, statistically they earn more than non-graduates. This extra cushion helps reduce financial stressors that otherwise put strain on marriages.⁶
Key Takeaways
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Divorce rates are highest among couples without a high school diploma and lowest among those with a college degree.¹
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Factors like communication skills, financial stability, and age at marriage all help explain why education and divorce are linked.³⁴
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Access to marriage counseling, retreats, and relationship resources also plays a significant role in sustaining marriages among educated couples.²
Sources
¹ Aughinbaugh, A., Robles, O., & Sun, H. (2013). Marriage and divorce: patterns by gender, race, and educational attainment. Monthly Labor Review, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
² American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (2020). Research and outcomes on marriage counseling effectiveness.
³ Amato, P. R. (2010). Research on divorce: Continuing trends and new developments. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(3), 650–666.
⁴ Raley, R. K., & Sweeney, M. M. (2020). Divorce, repartnering, and stepfamilies: A decade in review. Journal of Marriage and Family, 82(1), 81–99.
⁵ Schwartz, C. R., & Mare, R. D. (2005). Trends in educational assortative marriage. Demography, 42(4), 621–646.
⁶ Dew, J. (2009). The gendered meanings of assets for divorce. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 30, 20–31.
FAQs About Divorce Rates and Education
Are college-educated couples less likely to divorce?
Yes. Research consistently shows that people with higher education levels have lower divorce rates. About 30% of college graduates divorce compared to more than 50% of those without a high school diploma.
Does education or money matter more for preventing divorce?
Both factors matter, but education has an independent effect even when income is controlled for. Education is linked to communication skills, later marriage age, and greater stability—all of which reduce divorce risk.
Do educated couples report happier marriages?
Generally, yes. College-educated couples not only have lower divorce rates, but many report higher satisfaction and stability in their marriages, partly due to more resources and stronger communication strategies.
Why do younger marriages have higher divorce rates?
People who marry younger, especially before 25, tend to face higher divorce risks. College graduates often delay marriage until later, which contributes to their lower divorce rates.
Does counseling help couples without higher education?
Absolutely. While access to counseling may be harder for couples with fewer resources, evidence shows that marriage counseling and retreats significantly improve satisfaction and can prevent divorce across all education levels.
