I read this all the time, but the assumption is that more college educated people means more people capable of getting a bigger slab of the pie. Setting aside the fact that college is not for everyone (not everyone is suited to academia), I’m not sure that more education will mean better outcomes as there already are college-educated people who cannot prosper. All more college degrees may mean is more people with a Bachelor’s degree working at jobs that didn’t require one. I think you can read data many ways. You read it as college attendance means you have a better chance at success. I read it as the type of people who go to college already have the qualities (intellect, economic advantages, understanding of bureaucratic systems, family support, network connections, motivation, etc.) to be successful. If someone lacks those qualities and gets an education, it does not mean they will benefit IMO.