“More women now earn college degrees than men," said Rachel Allison. "While women still face barriers and challenges in the workforce, including their lower pay [compared] to men, women’s greater education may allow them to hold jobs that make homeownership more possible. There is also decreasing societal stigma to women’s singleness.”

Mississippi State University’s Story State 2025—an annual contest aimed at sharing Mississippi stories—is open for entries for new and original stories from all students enrolled at any Mississippi institution of higher learning.