A university education is clearly a private benefit. The lifetime value of a college degree in increased earnings is inarguable. However, there are extended public benefits to locals with increased educational attainment.
Higher levels of educational attainment are strongly linked to reduced crime rates and improved public safety. Studies have demonstrated that individuals with more education are less likely to engage in criminal behavior. A prominent study from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy found that students who attended better-funded schools were 15% less likely to be arrested by age 30, underscoring the long-term public safety benefits of investing in educational quality and equity.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that increasing high school graduation rates by just 1% could lead to nearly 100,000 fewer crimes annually in the United States, including over 400 fewer murders. Similarly, a Brookings Institution report noted that men without a high school diploma are more than twice as likely to be incarcerated as those with some college education. These patterns reflect the protective effects of education and the broader role schools play in socialization, opportunity and economic mobility. Better educational environments provide students with greater access to resources, positive role models and future career paths, reducing the likelihood of involvement in the criminal justice system. Programs that support early literacy, improve school funding and increase access to postsecondary education are not only educational initiatives but also effective crime prevention strategies.
College graduates will pay more in taxes over their lifetimes compared to those with only a high school diploma. According to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, an average bachelor’s degree recipient contributes $381,000 more in taxes than they use in government services and programs over their lifetime.
Higher educational attainment is strongly associated with improved health outcomes. Adults with more years of schooling tend to live longer, experience fewer chronic illnesses and engage in healthier behaviors than those with less education. TIME reports that the risk of death decreases by approximately 2% for each additional year of education. This finding underscores how education acts as a social determinant of health with far-reaching implications for life expectancy. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that adults with a bachelor’s degree live, on average, seven years longer than those without a high school diploma. The gap is even wider among certain racial and socioeconomic groups, suggesting that education plays a critical role in reducing health disparities. Higher education also correlates with healthier behaviors. Smoking, for instance, is far more prevalent among adults without a high school diploma than among college graduates. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 7% of college graduates smoke, compared to nearly 24% of those without a high school diploma. College-educated individuals are also more likely to exercise and maintain a healthy diet regularly, both of which reduce the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases. The benefits extend to mental health and chronic disease prevention. According to the American Journal of Public Health, individuals with higher education levels report lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and depression, often due to a combination of healthier lifestyles, better job conditions and improved access to medical care. Health literacy, which improves with education, empowers individuals to make informed decisions, adhere to treatment plans and engage effectively with healthcare providers. Education also improves maternal and child health. Mothers with higher levels of education are more likely to receive early prenatal care, follow recommended vaccination schedules and avoid high-risk behaviors such as smoking or drinking during pregnancy. Their children, in turn, benefit from higher birth weights, lower infant mortality and better early childhood health, according to an article in the International Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services. Moreover, higher education increases the likelihood of employment in jobs that offer health insurance, paid leave and workplace wellness programs. Educated individuals are also more adept at navigating the healthcare system and advocating for themselves and their families. These findings make a compelling case for viewing higher education as a public health strategy. Policies that expand college access—particularly for underserved communities—can yield significant long-term benefits in health, reduced healthcare costs and greater health equity. In this light, investment in education is also an investment in national well-being.
Individuals with higher levels of education are significantly more likely to participate in civic life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76% of adults with at least a bachelor’s voted in the 2020 presidential election, compared to 58% of those with only a high school diploma. Similarly, the Corporation for National and Community Service reported that 38.8% of college graduates volunteered in 2015, while only 15.6% of those without a high school diploma did so. In addition to higher rates of civic participation, college-educated individuals demonstrate greater political awareness and are more likely to follow the news, attend public meetings and contact elected officials, according to a report by Ithaka S+R. Furthermore, research from the Pew Research Center indicates that adults with a college degree are nearly twice as likely to participate in civic organizations, such as neighborhood associations and advocacy groups. These findings underscore the essential role of higher education in cultivating informed, engaged citizens.
Investing in public higher education has broad societal benefits. At WT, we are proud of our role as a public regional research university benefiting the students, families and communities we serve.
Walter V. Wendler is the President of West Texas A&M University. His weekly columns, with hyperlinks, are available at https://walterwendler.com/.
