Education level seems to affect men and women in markedly different fashions when it comes to marriage. Higher education is a big plus for men looking to wed; however, it’s a minus for women seeking Mr. Right, a study said on Wednesday.

The Korea Institute for Health and Social Science analyzed several variables that affected marriage between 2001 and 2008, which included educational background, career, work hours and ages.

According to the study, men with better educational backgrounds had higher chances of getting married. Women with master’s degrees or above, however, had lower chances of meeting lifetime partners. Those only with high school diplomas showed the highest probability of getting married.

In terms of career, a higher income from a stable job and more work hours raised men’s chances of marriage. Females with regular jobs had higher chances as well. However, those working shorter hours had a better chance of tying the knot.

By age, men did not show any particular differences, but women in their late 20s appeared to have the highest chances of getting married.

Men’s family background also played a crucial role in marriageability. Men whose parents have a higher educational level and their own homes were more likely to tie the knot.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)