A stark social divide: Adults without a college degree more likely to have no close friends, survey finds

The share of people who report having no close friends has risen, particularly among those who did not graduate college — creating a divide in people’s levels of social connection.

The Summary

• In a survey, nearly a quarter of U.S. adults without a college degree said they had no close friends.
• People without a college degree also reported less participation in social activities like going to parks or restaurants than college-educated adults.
• The findings come amid a documented rise in loneliness and social isolation.