In recent years, there has been a growing gender gap in higher education, particularly in college completion rates. Young women are more likely to be enrolled in college than young men, and among adults aged 25 and older, women are more likely to hold a four-year college degree. This trend is even more pronounced among younger adults aged 25 to 34¹.
Here are some key points regarding the gap between men and women in college completion:
1. **Enrollment and Graduation Rates**: Women now account for more than half (50.7%) of the college-educated labor force in the United States. They have overtaken men in both enrollment and graduation rates².
2. **Cumulative Degrees**: On a cumulative basis since 1982, women have earned 13 million more college degrees (including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees) than men. Specifically, women have earned 5.8 million more bachelor's degrees than men during this period³.
3. **Reasons for Not Completing College**:
- Financial considerations play a significant role in college completion. Both men and women cite affordability as a major reason for not pursuing a four-year degree.
- Men are more likely to point to factors related to personal choice, such as not wanting to pursue further education.
- Women are more likely to mention financial constraints as a major impediment to completing a bachelor's degree¹.
4. **Earnings and Education**: Research consistently shows a strong correlation between college completion and lifetime earnings. While women have made significant gains in educational attainment, men still tend to earn higher weekly wages on average than women with a bachelor's degree⁴.
In summary, women have made substantial progress in higher education, but the implications of the growing gap in educational attainment for men are significant. It's essential to continue addressing barriers to education and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender.
