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A new comprehensive study is measuring the feelings of fulfillment in those who have graduated from institutes of higher education. The results found that those who have graduated from a Catholic college or university were more likely to report greater feelings of fulfillment in their daily lives, as well as being more likely to place a high emphasis on morality in regard to decision making.
Earning potential
The study was commissioned by St. Mary’s University, the oldest Catholic university in Texas, and was conducted by YouGov, an organization that polls to find public opinions on a variety of topics. The university noted that it sought to challenge the current narrative that the most significant benefit of higher education is an increase in earning potential.
Far beyond material gains, the study found that Catholic education is linked to “a stronger sense of direction, increased fulfillment and a greater focus on moral decision-making.” Jason King, Ph.D., Beirne Director of Center for Catholic Studies and Chair in Catholic Studies at St. Mary’s University, drew on his 20 years of experience in his comments:
“Recently, I have become increasingly concerned that the national conversation on the value of higher education is being reduced to a single metric: earning potential. In partnership with YouGov, we set out to explore the long-term impact of higher education on the whole student, not just their future salary.”
Key findings
Key findings of the study revealed that graduates of Catholic colleges and universities were 10% more likely to express that their life closely matches their ideal, while also being 9% more likely to report a “clear sense of direction in life.” Furthermore, Catholic graduates are 15% more likely to have found fulfillment in their social lives and 13% more likely to feel fulfilled in their community involvement. They are also 19% more likely to survey the moral implications of a choice before making a decision.
St. Mary’s University concluded that the research goes against the “prevailing conversations that prioritize financial outcomes,” and suggest one’s high education institution has much farther-reaching influence on many aspects of their lives, including a sense of wellbeing and ability to socialize. The findings, Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., President of St. Mary’s University suggested, call for for a reevaluation of how we measure the success of higher education.
“Education is about more than just earning potential. It should be about developing leaders, thinkers and citizens who value and contribute to their communities,” said Winston Erevelles.
Read more findings from the study at St. Mary's University.
