Study Says College Graduates Who Were In Frats Are Happier Than Those Who Weren’t

Good news for bow-tie-wearing preppy boys named “Sawyer Fieldworthton.” Today the Wall Street Journal published the results of a new study finding that college graduates who were in fraternities tend to be happier after graduation than those who were not. This is not-news to most people involved in Greek Life.

A new survey finds college graduates who were members of a fraternity or sorority are generally happier than their peers who didn’t pledge. Greeks have higher engagement in their jobs and a better sense of well-being. They are less stressed about money, have more supportive social lives and are physically healthier. They also are more likely to have connected with a professor during school and taken part in an internship—two key indicators for future professional accomplishment.

Let’s break this thing down:

The Gallup-Purdue index, a survey of 30,000 university graduates of all ages taken this spring, was designed to determine what happens during college that leads to happy, successful lives so that prospective students can better gauge the value of a school and schools can adjust their programs. The first-of-its-kind poll didn’t measure earnings but looked at several subjective measures of life satisfaction at both home and at work.

Also, it turns out former frat stars tend to be better workers after graduating from college. Horray, efficiency!

Only 39% of all college graduates feel engaged at work—meaning they enjoyed what they did on a daily basis and are emotionally and intellectually connected to their jobs. And only 11% reported they were “thriving” in five different aspects of their lives, among which are financial stability, a strong social network and a sense of purpose.

 

Oh! But wait… The reason for this whole non-clausal “happiness” after college is not because of the whole brotherhood thing. The WSJ makes a base judgement that it’s because fraternity members tend to be upper-middle class and have mommy and daddy pay for college for them, which means they aren’t crippled with student debt after graduation college. Student debt, BTW, is depressing as fuck! Student loans = #NF.

One possible explanation: Students who pledge fraternities aren’t as saddled with student debt. Only 42% of Greeks took out loans to pay for their undergraduate education, compared with 49% of non-Greeks, according to the study.

Bottom line: People involved in Greek life tend to value a damn good social life over insane expectations for success. Business in the front, party in the back a.k.a. a Bro’s way of life.

 

Brandon Wenerd is BroBible's publisher, writing on this site since 2009. He writes about sports, music, men's fashion, outdoor gear, traveling, skiing, and epic adventures. Based in Los Angeles, he also enjoys interviewing athletes and entertainers. Proud Penn State alum, former New Yorker. Email: brandon@brobible.com