Twelve is the magic threshold – if you have more that 12 years of education, your earning power over the course of your lifetime increases by several hundred thousand dollars. Professional certificates, associates and advanced degrees mean real cash and the security that brings you and your family. But experts are finding that a college education means more that just money – it could also mean a healthier, longer life.

As published in Health Affairs, Ellen R. Meara and David M. Cutler of Harvard University and Seth Richards of the University of Pennsylvania have release a study that indicates there is a direct correlation between a college degree and a longer life span. What are the critical factors that make a college diploma a longevity factor? The answers are surprisingly simple:

• Tobacco is a well-known killer, increasing the risk of cancer, COPD, and circulatory and heart diseases. The study indicates there is link between the early death rate in the population with less than 12 years of education and tobacco use.

• Like tobacco, obesity is a common problem in the less-educated community. Obesity is a leading contributor to life-threatening diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. There are several factors at play here, not the least of which is the income disparity between the educated population and those with less that 12 year of learning. There is a direct correlation between a higher income and the awareness of more nutritious dietary options.

• An education translates into enhanced earning power and access to employer-provided health care benefits. These health care plans stress preventative medicine, regular check-ups and healthy life style choices, including exercise programs.

• On-the-job injuries are more liable to occur in low-paying job situations.

The bottom line? In the groups studied, better-educated subjects could expect to live 7 years longer than the less-educated participants. As Cutler remarked, “We like to think that as we as a country get healthier, everyone benefits. Here we’ve found that you can have a rising tide that only lifts half the boats–and the ones lifted are the ones doing better to begin with.”

Simply put, a college education is not only an investment in your financial future, it could very well give you a longer and healthier lifespan. Talk about great dividends!