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Degrees of Connection: Examining the Relationships Among College Majors, Marriage, and Spouse Selection

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  • Liang Zhang

    (New York University)

  • Xiangmin Helen Liu

    (Rutgers University)

Abstract

This study examines how college majors are related to marital outcomes through homogamy based on college attainment and fields of study. Grounded in theories of educational assortative mating, opportunity structure, and personal preferences, we investigate how college majors predict marriage probability, spouse selection, and economic inequality among different-sex and same-sex couples using American Community Survey data (2019–2023) from over 9 million individuals aged 25–69. Findings reveal significant differences in marriage probability between individuals with and without college degrees and across college majors. Including earnings and occupations substantially reduces these disparities for men but has minimal impact for women. A clear pattern of major-based homogamy emerges for both different-sex and same-sex couples. STEM majors exhibit strong homogamy and a propensity to have spouses who majored in other STEM fields. Given the significant earnings gaps across majors, major-based homogamy amplifies income inequality among married couples, an effect particularly pronounced for women in different-sex marriages.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang Zhang & Xiangmin Helen Liu, 2025. "Degrees of Connection: Examining the Relationships Among College Majors, Marriage, and Spouse Selection," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 66(6), pages 1-28, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reihed:v:66:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s11162-025-09857-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11162-025-09857-3
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