It’s not how you look that’s important, our mothers told us: It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

As it turns out, our moms might’ve been wrong. In one of the most discouraging studies of the year, researchers say folks who were good looking in high school tend to make more money when they grow up.

Attractive women make about 8 percent more than their more normal-looking peers. For men, the gorgeous gap isn’t quite as wide: Lookers get just 4 percent more; but if you’re ugly, look out: You’ll make about 13 percent less than normal-looking guys. (Time)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife Wendy and his two children. Follow him on Twitter.