Why are less males going to college?

Asked by: Cora McDermott  |  Last update: December 7, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (38 votes)

Athletic accomplishments are often more valued than academic ones, and boys are more likely than girls to spend hours every day on video games. They're also more likely to question the value of a college degree, in part because they haven't been socialized as consistently to please the teacher and follow the rules.

Why are there less males in college?

The decreasing number of men in college is due to the changing workforce. In recent years, there has been a shift in the types of jobs available. Many of the jobs that are now available require a college degree or higher level of education.

Why are so many men dropping out of college?

- Social Isolation: Some men may feel socially disconnected in college environments, which can deter them from enrolling or continuing their education. Cultural Influences: - Media and Peer Influence: Media portrayals and peer expectations can shape attitudes toward education.

Which gender is less likely to go to college?

Men less likely to go to college directly after high school

In 2022, 57% of male high school graduates enrolled in college, compared to 66% of their female counterparts.

Why are Gen Z not going to college?

A third of Gen Zers and millennials said they chose to forgo higher education, a 2024 Deloitte survey found, according to Business Insider. Their primary reasons were financial barriers, family or personal circumstances, or plans for careers that don't require college degrees.

Why Aren't Young Men Going To College?

35 related questions found

Why are kids not going to college anymore?

A college degree just might not be worth it anymore. While higher education has long been viewed as key to achieving the American Dream, surging tuition costs, a hot labor market, and campus politics may be why college enrollment in the US has fallen in the last decade.

What generation is most educated?

According to our research, millennials are the most educated generation in American history. Approximately 38 percent of millennials have a bachelor's degree or higher, compared with 32 percent of Generation X and 15 percent of baby boomers when they were the same age.

What gender dominates college?

In California, 56% of undergraduates at the state's public universities and community colleges are women, as are 54% of undergraduates at nonprofit colleges and 63% at for-profit colleges.

Who is least likely to go to college?

According to recent figures, higher education enrollment rates among high school completers immediately following high school were lowest for students who were American Indian/Alaska Native (55%), followed closely by individuals identifying as Black (58%), and Hispanic (66%).

Why are college enrollments declining?

Enrollment rates have declined and it is difficult to determine a cause. Many experts say last year's rocky FAFSA rollout contributed to the decline. Students also may be choosing education options that cost less, like community college. Colleges have a role in addressing concerns about the value of a degree.

Why don't men want to go to college?

Boys are more likely to think they don't need a degree for the jobs they want, the Pew Research Center found, or go into the trades. Even if they do enroll in colleges, work opportunities lure them away.

Why are men falling behind?

First and foremost, the rise of single-parent households has disproportionately impacted young men. The United States' proliferation of single-parent families, up from 9% in 1960 to 37% today, and absentee fathers have no doubt played an increasingly important role in the inferior outcomes of many young males.

What are men doing instead of college?

"Men, especially white men, are much more likely to enter the trades or enter the technology industry, where a degree also isn't required." Men and women said that not being able to afford a four-year degree was a major reason for not having attended college at equal rates.

Why are men more likely to drop out?

This supports our expectation in hypothesis 1b that higher levels of debt are more strongly associated with dropping out of college for men than for women, suggesting that education debt becomes an impediment to completion at lower levels for men than for women.

What is the male flight phenomenon?

Male flight describes a similar phenomenon when large numbers of females enter a profession, group, hobby or industry—the men leave. That industry is then devalued.

Do girls outperform boys in college?

Girls are outperforming boys at all levels of education from kindergarten to college, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.

Why are people not going to college anymore?

A college degree just might not be worth it anymore. While higher education has long been viewed as key to achieving the American Dream, surging tuition costs, a hot labor market, and campus politics may be why college enrollment in the US has fallen in the last decade.

Which race goes to college the most?

In 2022, the college enrollment rate for 18- to 24-year-olds was higher for those who were Asian (61 percent) than for those of all other racial/ethnic groups: White (41 percent) Two or more races (36 percent) Black (36 percent)

What is the lowest GPA to stay in college?

Colleges and universities expect students to earn a minimum GPA to maintain enrollment. While this differs by institution, many require a 2.0—or C average. Falling below 2.0 often means you'll be placed on academic probation until you can raise your GPA. If you're unable to do so, your institution may dismiss you.

Why are colleges mostly female?

Several factors have been identified as contributors to these gender gaps. Differences in the academic records of the sexes begin well before college. Girls significantly outperform boys in tests of reading in early grades. Girls complete more college-preparatory courses than boys in high school.

Which gender is most competitive?

Research suggests that men are more competitive than women. This gender difference appears in childhood, as evidenced by the playtime activities that girls and boys choose, and increases through puberty and adulthood.

What majors have the most men?

In general, some majors that tend to be male-dominated include those in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Why does Gen Z look older?

Other skin care products, such as retinoids, often used for acne treatment, can also cause damage if not used correctly. The popularity of vaping has also been suggested as a likely reason for Gen Z's older appearance. Vaping introduces harmful chemicals into the body that can age the skin, according to WebMD.

Which generation has higher IQ?

Even with such hypothesis, the participants from the newer generation (gen-z) outscored their predecessors by almost 2 IQ points.

Are less Gen Z going to college?

The survey found that just 74% of Gen Z teens ages 13-17 have their sights set on college after high school, which is 11 points lower than the percentage of millennials who said the same when they were in high school 20 years ago.