Women with a College Degree

Women have outpaced men in college completion for decades – in fact, women are 10% more likely to hold a bachelor’s degree compared to their male peers.

One of the biggest influences of higher education on health outcomes is the income potential that accompanies it. Higher degrees often equate to higher wages, which reduces women’s risk of experiencing income-driven health disparities (see Women Experiencing Poverty & Unable to See Doctor Due to Cost). Nevertheless, the gender wage gap persists (see Gender Wage Gap). One study found that to make similar earnings in the same job, women need to earn at least one more degree than their male counterparts.

Despite college-educated women making less than similarly-situated men, educational achievement still provides many Oklahoma women with security and independence. The ability to make higher wages or receive employment benefits can help women afford health insurance (see Uninsured Women), safe housing (see Safe and Affordable Housing), and healthy food options (see Food Insecurity). Financial independence can even influence whether or not a woman is able to safely leave an abusive relationship (see Intimate Partner Violence).

Educational attainment also has nonfinancial benefits. Studies have found that college graduates are more likely to have better health and wellbeing, partake in civic activities like voting or volunteering (see Women’s Voice in Government), and have higher social capital – all of which impact women’s mental and physical health.

While women may earn more degrees, attainment isn’t distributed equitably. Women who are: Asian or white; have an annual household income of $75,000 or more; and/or live in metropolitan areas are more likely to complete their degree programs.

Compared to their male counterparts, women are more likely to cite caregiving responsibilities and financial constraints as reasons for not completing their degree. About a third (34%) of men without a bachelor’s degree say a main reason they didn’t finish college is that they just didn’t want to – only one-in-four women said the same. 

As with high school completion (see Women with a High School Degree), unplanned pregnancies or childcare responsibilities (see Cost of Child Care) negatively impact women’s degree attainment. Access to family planning resources, reproductive healthcare, and caregiving support is critical for women pursuing higher degrees. When empowered to make choices about if and when to start a family, women are more likely to meet educational and career goals and provide for themselves and their families in the long-run.