How college relationships measure up.
College dating follows a completely different set of rules than any other dating scene. In high school, “dating” can mean anything from hanging out with a group of friends to hitting the movies one-on-one. In college, “dating” is less defined – just watching TV might count as a relationship starter.
But the dating habits of college students can be cracked and tracked. Here are seven stats that might surprise you about the unpredictable dating scene.
College students prefer short-term, casual relationships over long-term relationships because it allows them to focus on their academic and career goals.
1. Women Make Up 56% of the College Population
Sorry, ladies – when it comes to college dating, men have a slight advantage. The number of women attending college in the U.S. outnumbers men 56 to 44. It’ll be a little easier for guys to snag dates with a larger pool of women to choose from.
2. 25% of College Seniors are Virgins
College campuses aren’t just hookup havens. A number of students have begun choosing abstinence over condoms. Twelve percent of females and 13 percent of males over the age of 21 are virgins.
3. 32.5% of College Relationships are Long-Distance
High school relationships can be hard to let go of. They can also be difficult to keep alive. Almost a third of college students find themselves in long distance relationships – so if you’re tired of hearing about your roommate’s boyfriend back home, you aren’t alone.
4. One in Four College Students Has an STD
There’s a reason college health centers hand out free condoms, and it’s STDs. With one out of every four students contracting some sort of STD, you never know what your potential date might be hiding.
5. 63% of College Women Hope to Meet Their Spouse in College
Today, it might not seem like many women head off to college for their MRS. degree. But a survey conducted by the Independent Women’s Forum disagrees. Three out of five female college students agree that college is where they hope to meet their mate.
6. By Senior Year, 72% of Students Have Hooked Up
Worried you won’t find someone worthy enough to take home in college? Don’t be. An astounding 72% of college students experience at least one one-night stand by the end of their senior year.
7. 1/3 of College Seniors Have Been on Fewer Than Two Dates
Dating in college doesn’t mean you’ll actually get the chance to go on a “real date.” A third of college seniors confess that they’ve been on fewer than two dates in four years – so don’t assume that “hanging out” means dinner and a movie.
What Percentage of College Relationships Last?
Meeting your future spouse in college is a relatively common experience. According to available data, approximately 28% of married college graduates attended the same college as their spouse. This percentage can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the institution, geographic location, and specific college demographics.
For instance, some institutions with strong community and social structures, like Brigham Young University, have even higher rates of alumni marrying fellow alumni, with about 60% of all BYU graduates marrying each other (The Daily Dot) (Vieforth).
Overall, the likelihood of meeting a future spouse in college can be influenced by various factors, but it remains a significant possibility for many students during their college years.
Quick Facts
- One of the top reasons college students break up is cheating.
- College students prefer short-term, casual relationships over long-term relationships because it allows them to focus on their academic and career goals.
- Most college couples break up around spring break, summer vacation, and right before winter break.