Whether or not a degree means anything or is "worth it" is subjective, what isn't subjective, however, is that a marketable degree opens more doors to jobs that pay more and more opportunity.

I'm looking at this from the lenses of a black male. College rates among black men are already low as it is. Still, black women are steadily increasing.

There are a number of reasons why college rates are low for men. Off the top of my head, i've read that our education system doesn't really work with how many men learn. As such, by time its college application time, many young men are turned off or have written off college completely. However, this doesn't leave many long term options. Realistically, if you aren't gonna join the military, go to trade school, or be an entrepreneur of sorts, what is there left to do to make a living and get out on your own? You can work your way up through whatever is available i suppose.

I've read that college educated people also like to find people of similar education levels and experience. People within the same income level tend to date and marry people of the same income level as well, though not always.

In my opinion, women are more lenient on who they will date based on education and income while men might be more rigid. However, what would it look like when women in general make significantly more (20k+) than men? How does this work for black women who tend to date other races much less than their counterparts but are left with a bunch of broke bois? What about the men who do have have college degrees and the income to pair with it; Will they have more options in general and be seen as more desirable?