Do Fancy Degrees Help You Date? A Survey Weighs In

Harvard, Stanford, MIT: people often treat degrees from these elite schools as a ticket to a great career. Could they also give your dating profile a lift? We polled 3,000 singles to find out whether a résumé listing certain universities makes someone more attractive to potential dates.

The results show, state by state, which universities’ alumni are likely to have the most luck finding a partner.

Here’s how the national top 10 shook out:

#1 Harvard University

Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers more than Ivy League charm. Holding a Harvard degree practically screams, “I’m the whole package!” Picture changing your dating profile to “Harvard alum.” Just like that, you’re the brainy heartthrob. Harvard grads seem to be the superheroes of academia.

#2 University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame blends tough academics with wholesome, all-American appeal. A Notre Dame degree says, “I’ve got brains, brawn, and a heart of gold.” Imagine a partner who can discuss philosophy at dinner and still get home in time for Sunday football. No surprise Notre Dame grads are so attractive: they’re essentially the complete package tied up in a Fighting Irish bow.

#3 Stanford University

Set in Silicon Valley’s wonderland of innovation, Stanford University turns out the next generation of tech moguls and world-changers. Stanford diplomas aren’t mere certificates but badges declaring, “I’m going places, want to come?” Stanford grads combine ambition with an easygoing California vibe that’s hard to resist. They’re the partner who’ll dream up start-up ideas over coffee, then take you surfing.

#4 Brown University

Brown University in Rhode Island is a place where creativity and intellectual freedom rule. Holding a Brown degree is like wearing an offbeat, lovable badge of honor. Brown grads are smart, and they’re artsy and adventurous too. Among the academic elite, they’re the free spirits, always up for new ideas and new experiences. Date a Brown alum and you could be in for endless fascinating conversations and last-minute road trips.

#5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is the Mecca of technology and innovation. An MIT degree announces, “I’m not just a nerd; I’m the nerd who’ll change the world.” In the dating pool, MIT singles are basically the Einsteins. They’re problem-solvers of the highest order, the type of partner who’ll get your Wi-Fi working again, then put together a robot for you on a whim. Peak geek chic!

#6 Yale University

Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, pairs centuries of prestige with sharp, modern thinking. Going out with a Yale grad feels like walking into a rom-com: they’re polished, charming, and never short of an intriguing fact or clever comeback. Yale alums mix old-school elegance with present-day savvy, which makes them ideal for deep talks and fancy soirées.

#7 University of Florida

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida pairs academic strength with a lively campus scene. Gator grads know how to mix work and play, so they’re the life of every party and the standout of every study group. Picture dating someone who can lead the crowd in the Gator chomp on game day and talk just as easily about the newest scientific breakthrough. Everybody wins!

#8 Washington State University

Pullman’s Washington State University has a reputation for a close-knit community and a dedication to academic excellence. Cougars are team players through and through, at work and in love. With a WSU grad, you’ll have someone in your corner whether you’re tackling a tough project or planning a weekend away.

#9 University of Southern California (USC)

Based in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is a hotbed of future stars and innovators. Picture dating someone with the inside track on the entertainment industry who can connect you with all the right people. The typical USC grad is an energetic, magnetic go-getter who brightens every room they walk into, ideal if you want a partner with a dash of Hollywood glamor.

#10 Princeton University

Princeton University in New Jersey is the picture of academic excellence and intellectual depth. A Princeton grad is like your own personal intellectual powerhouse, with plenty of charm to match. They can approach life and love in a thoughtful, analytical way, so every conversation has substance and every date sticks with you.

“As our survey shows, a degree from an elite university doesn’t just set you up for career success; it also makes you more appealing on the dating scene,” explains Emma Wilson, The Candid Date’s Chief Editor. “Education and ambition are incredibly attractive qualities, and these institutions produce some of the most well-rounded and sought-after individuals in the dating pool.”

More Takeaways From the Survey

The Ivy League Leads: Ivy League schools claim four of the top 10 spots (Harvard, Brown, Yale, and Princeton), which shows how much pull prestigious, historically elite institutions have in dating.

STEM and Innovation Show Up Strong: Schools famous for math, science, technology, and engineering (MIT and Stanford) rank as very attractive, hinting at a strong link between technical know-how and appeal to dates.

Well-Rounded Wins: Schools such as the University of Southern California and the University of Florida prove that pairing academic rigor with social skills is a strong draw. Singles clearly prize well-rounded people who can juggle work and play.

Spread Across the Map: The top 10 features schools from many parts of the United States, so dating appeal isn’t tied to any single region.

Culture and Community Count: Washington State University and Notre Dame underline how much community values and a vibrant culture matter, suggesting singles like partners who play well on a team and have strong social ties.

Creativity and Intellect Attract: Brown University shines thanks to its focus on creativity and intellectual freedom, a sign that distinctive, artsy traits are also prized in a potential partner.

Old Prestige vs. New Innovation: The ranking places centuries-old schools like Yale and Princeton alongside modern innovation hubs such as Stanford and MIT, so both classic prestige and present-day success appeal to singles.

“We’ve known that when men attain education at prestigious institutions, it can lead to elevated social clout and higher income,” notes relationship expert Kenji Takahashi. “The research, however, didn’t work the same for women. When women achieve higher education and higher income, they often become less attractive, partly because men feel intimidated.”

The good news is that this pattern is shifting. In 2021, women were the head of household or breadwinner in 43% of American married couples, up from only 8% in 1990.

“Men are finally realizing that having a wife with a solid resume and paycheck isn’t a bad thing,” Kenji said. “My advice to those women: Perhaps your idea of a power man might be a guy who can power a stroller!”