According to a new study published in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, church attendance is likely to boost educational advancement among high school students.

Sociologists at Brigham Young University and Rice University found that youth who maintain a religious affiliation—regardless of denomination—are 40 percent more likely to graduate high school and 70 percent more likely to enroll in college than their unaffiliated peers.

The study, which surveyed nearly 8,400 teenagers, also found that Jewish and Mormon youths have the highest odds of graduating high school and college enrollment.

But religion itself may not be the critical component in keeping kids in school. Important interpersonal factors are in play, too. The researchers noted that teens’ fellow church-goers "are an important factor, serving as mentors who help teens set their sights high."

CT routinely addresses the topic of education. Recently, CT addressed the gospel importance of early childhood education and interviewed Geoffrey Canada on why it takes a "whole community" to educate a child.