In my church, many children that might go to college if they were part of another religion did not do so because they did not want to cross the teachings of the

In my church, many children that might go to college if they were part of another religion did not do so because they did not want to cross the teachings of the church. It is not forbidden to go to college, but it is highly discouraged. At the end of the road for crossing the church is disfellowshipping which means being shunned by everyone you have ever known. So most are intimidated from starting down that road. My experience is mostly with people who had the misfortune to be born into the church who live repressed and desperate lives. On the other hand, most converts come from the rank of the poor and destitute and probably see their lives improve upon joining the church due to the strict lifestyle and strong community. The poverty of Jehovah's Witnesses is mostly due to the forced ignorance of their young, since there are so few converts (at least, US growth numbers were poor in the late 90s/early 00s, probably below member fertility).