In a longitudinal sample of 2593 individuals, we investigated the frequency individuals with IQs ≤ 90 completed college and whether these individuals experienced the same social and economic benefits higher-IQ college graduates did. Although the majority of individuals with IQs ≤ 90 did not have a college degree, approximately one in three women and one in five men did. The magnitude of the college effect on occupational status, income, financial independence and law abidingness was independent of IQ level, a finding replicated using the longitudinal NLSY97 sample. Additional analyses suggested the association of college with occupational status was causal and that the educational success of individuals with low average IQs may depend on personality factors, family socioeconomic status and genetic endowment. We discuss our finding in the context of the recent expansion in college attainment as well as the dearth of research on individuals with low average IQs.