Both sexes wanted a long-term mate who is equally educated than they are; women wanted a short-term mate equally educated, unlike men; also, men's sexual/romantic desire was less sensitive to prospective mate's education

Mate preferences for educated partners: Similarities and differences in the sexes depend on mating context. Author links open overlay panel. Peter K. Jonason, Caitlin N. Antoon. Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 148, 1 October 2019, Pages 57-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.05.036

Highlights
•    Both sexes wanted a long-term mate who is equally educated than they are.
•    Women wanted a short-term mate who is equally educated than they are.
•    Men wanted a short-term mate who is less educated than they are.
•    Men's sexual/romantic desire was less sensitive to prospective mate's education.
•    Interpersonal warmth had independent and similar effects on desirability.

Abstract: Evolutionary and sociocultural models of mate preferences suggest that education might be an important consideration for men and women, but this research is characterized by several limitations warranting more research. In this experiment (N = 1306), we focused on the impact of relative levels of education on the desirability of potential long-term and short-term mates, while holding physical attractiveness constant, and also examining the potential moderating influence of interpersonal warmth. Both sexes preferred mates of equal education (compared to less or more), for both relationship durations, but particularly for long-term mates. Men found less educated and interpersonally cold targets more appealing in the short-term context. Overall, men found targets more appealing than women did across both mating contexts. Our results replicate and extend research on the role of partner's education in people's mate preferences.