Janice Lozano
While women have outnumbered men in American colleges for over four decades, several universities still have more male students than female. Military academies and engineering and technical schools tend to have a high male-to-female ratio, while small liberal arts colleges and design colleges tend to have more female students. The United States Military Academy, for example, has a male-to-female ratio of 84.4%, and the New York University Tandon School of Engineering has a ratio of 80.5%. In recent years, some private colleges have made it easier for male applicants to get in, in an attempt to balance the gender ratio.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Military academies | More male students |
| Engineering and technical schools | More male students |
| Small liberal arts colleges | More female students |
| Design colleges | More female students |
| Colleges with higher female-to-male ratios | Unique environment and experiences catering to student demographics |
| Gender imbalance impact | Influence on classroom dynamics and participation |
| Colleges with more male students | The Citadel (91.3%), United States Military Academy (84.4%), NYU's Tandon School of Engineering (80.5%), United States Air Force Academy (79%) |
| Colleges with higher female-to-male ratios | Texas Woman's University |
| Male college graduates | More likely to end up in high-paying fields like engineering |
| Female college graduates | More likely to end up in lower-paying fields |
| Male enrollment | Sharper decline than female enrollment at public and for-profit universities |
| Female applicants | Harder to get into some colleges |
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What You'll Learn
- Military academies and engineering schools tend to have more male students
- Male applicants are favoured at some private colleges
- Male college graduates are more likely to end up in high-paying fields
- Male enrolment has declined more sharply than female enrolment
- Gender imbalances can influence classroom dynamics
Military academies and engineering schools tend to have more male students
Similarly, engineering and technical schools often have a higher proportion of male students. For example, the New York University Tandon School of Engineering has an 80.5% male majority. This gender disparity in engineering fields extends beyond academia and into the profession itself. Engineering is the most male-dominated field in STEM, with women comprising only 13% of the engineering workforce in the United States.
Several factors contribute to the gender imbalance in military academies and engineering schools. One factor is the historical and societal perception of certain fields as being more masculine or feminine. For instance, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and computer engineering are perceived as aligning with traditionally male goals, such as working with objects and utilizing analytic skills. In contrast, environmental and biomedical engineering, which are closer to parity in terms of gender ratios, are seen as contributing to communal goals, such as improving society's health.
Additionally, gender socialization and the types of activities that young men and women typically engage in during their collegiate years can influence their affinity towards specific aspects of engineering practice. Research has found that men tend to be drawn to the technical side of engineering, while women are somewhat more inclined towards the social aspects of the profession. These preferences are shaped by the different kinds of tasks and interests that individuals are socialized to prioritize from childhood.
While the trend of male predominance in military academies and engineering schools persists, there are positive developments towards greater gender equality. For example, the percentage of female students nominated by U.S. lawmakers for admission to U.S. military academies has been rising over the last 25 years, although men are still nearly three times more likely to receive a nomination. Similarly, while engineering remains a male-dominated profession, there are notable female engineers and role models emerging, such as Susan S. Silbey, a professor at MIT who has been conducting research on gender in engineering education for over a decade.
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Male applicants are favoured at some private colleges
Women have outnumbered men in American colleges for over four decades. However, this trend seems to be shifting, with some colleges now making it easier for male applicants to enrol. This shift is more pronounced at private colleges, where male applicants are favoured to achieve gender parity in the student population.
Data suggests that male applicants are favoured at some private colleges. For example, in 2012-2013, Brandeis University accepted 44% of male applicants compared to just 36% of female applicants. This trend is also observed at other institutions, such as Johns Hopkins, Loyola University Maryland, and York College of Pennsylvania, which have been investigated by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for potential bias in their admissions processes.
There are several reasons why male applicants may be favoured at some colleges. One factor is the decline in male enrolment and completion rates, particularly at community colleges and two-year schools. This decline has been attributed to various factors, including behavioural and developmental differences between males and females, with boys tending to have more behavioural problems and lower non-cognitive skills than girls in grades K-12. Additionally, boys are more likely to have a higher incidence of arrests and school suspensions during their teenage years, which can impact their college applications.
Another reason for the shift towards favouring male applicants could be the desire for a more balanced gender ratio within the student body. A diverse student population can enhance campus culture, academic programs, and social interactions. Military academies and engineering and technical schools, which traditionally attract more male students, may also be motivated to maintain a certain level of gender diversity.
While the trend of favouring male applicants at some private colleges is notable, it is important to acknowledge that women still face an admissions advantage at institutions focused on business and STEM fields, which have historically been male-dominated. As more women enter these fields, the advantage for female applicants is waning. Overall, the dynamics of gender ratios in colleges are complex and influenced by various social, economic, and educational factors.
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Male college graduates are more likely to end up in high-paying fields
While women outnumber men on US college campuses, with 57% of the national student population being female, certain colleges have a higher ratio of male students. Military academies and engineering and technical schools tend to have more male students, while small liberal arts colleges and design colleges tend to have more female students. For example, The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, has a 91.3% male student body. Similarly, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, has 84.4% male students, and the NYU Tandon School of Engineering has 80.5%. The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has a 79% male enrollment.
Despite the overall higher number of women in US colleges, it has been observed that at some private colleges, male applicants have an advantage in the admissions process. This is due to colleges seeking gender balance, and it has been reported that some colleges may bias the admissions process towards male students to achieve this. For example, in 2012-2013, Brandeis University accepted 44% of male applicants compared to 36% of female applicants.
While a college education is costly and the number of graduates in the workforce has increased competition, a college degree still significantly improves one's employment prospects and earnings potential. Bachelor's degree holders are less likely to be unemployed and have a lower incidence of poverty. They also tend to have health insurance provided through their jobs and earn higher median salaries. For example, in 2025, the projected median salary for bachelor's degree graduates is $80,236, compared to $48,360 for high school graduates.
The highest upward salary trends are in the fields of agriculture, business, engineering, and computer science. Male college graduates are more likely to end up in these high-paying fields due to several factors. Firstly, the gender pay gap persists, and men tend to earn higher salaries across industries. Secondly, men are overrepresented in STEM fields, which tend to have higher salaries. Women have an admissions advantage at institutions focused on STEM, but this is waning as more women enter these fields. Finally, men are more likely to be enrolled in and graduate from colleges with a focus on these high-paying fields, such as engineering and technical schools.
In conclusion, while women make up the majority of US college students, certain colleges have a higher ratio of male students, and male applicants may have an advantage at some private institutions seeking gender balance. Male college graduates are more likely to end up in high-paying fields due to the persistence of the gender pay gap, the overrepresentation of men in STEM, and the gender disparities in college enrollment and graduation rates across different fields of study.
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Male enrolment has declined more sharply than female enrolment
In recent years, there has been a notable decline in student enrolment, particularly among male students. This trend is evident in both the US and the UK, and it has significant implications for universities and colleges. While the decline in student numbers is concerning in itself, the disproportionate decrease in male enrolment is especially noteworthy.
Several factors contribute to the sharp decline in male enrolment. Firstly, demographic changes play a significant role. There is a projected decline in the number of 18-year-olds, the traditional age for students entering higher education. This demographic shift is expected to result in a decrease in student demand, with a more pronounced impact on male enrolment.
Additionally, the perception of the value of a college or university degree has changed. According to the Pew Research Center, only one in four Americans now believes that having a bachelor's degree is essential for obtaining a good job. This shift in perception has led to a decrease in the proportion of high school graduates enrolling in college immediately after graduation, with a more significant decline among male students.
The decline in male enrolment has also been influenced by the gender gap in certain fields of study. Military academies and engineering and technical schools tend to have a higher proportion of male students. However, these fields have traditionally been dominated by men, and efforts to encourage female participation have not yet fully balanced the gender ratio. As a result, the decline in enrolment in these male-dominated fields contributes significantly to the overall decrease in male student numbers.
To address the sharp decline in male enrolment, universities and colleges may need to implement targeted strategies. This could include measures to balance gender ratios, such as biased admission processes that favour male applicants, as seen in some US institutions. Additionally, developing targeted support programs and resources specifically for male students could enhance their college experience and encourage enrolment. Improving male participation is crucial to mitigate the expected decline in student numbers and ensure the sustainability of the higher education sector.
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Gender imbalances can influence classroom dynamics
Furthermore, gender imbalances can impact the distribution of teacher time, energy, and attention. Studies have found that teachers sometimes unconsciously favour male students, giving them more attention and praise while criticising boys more severely for inappropriate behaviour. This can reinforce stereotypes of assertive males and passive females, influencing how students perceive themselves and others.
Gender imbalances can also shape social interactions and academic motivations. Girls tend to seek closer friendships and share more intimate information, while boys are more likely to speak up during discussions, even without being called on. These differences in communication styles can impact classroom dynamics, with teachers sometimes treating boys and girls differently, even if unintentionally.
Additionally, gender imbalances in specific fields or activities can create unique leadership opportunities for the underrepresented gender. Colleges may implement measures to encourage and support the minority gender, enhancing their experience and providing a more diverse student body.
The type of college also affects the gender ratio, with military academies and engineering schools tending to have more male students, while liberal arts and design colleges attract more female students. These imbalances can influence campus culture, academic programs, and social dynamics, creating unique environments and experiences for students.
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Frequently asked questions
The United States Military Academy, located in West Point, New York, has 84.4% male students. The focus on discipline and leadership attracts many male students interested in military careers.
Yes, the New York University Tandon School of Engineering has 80.5% male students. The school offers engineering and technology programs, fields traditionally dominated by men.
Yes, military academies and engineering or technical schools tend to have more male students. Additionally, some private colleges may give male applicants an advantage in admission to achieve gender balance.
No, women have an admissions advantage at institutions focused on business and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, which have been historically male-dominated.
Yes, since 1979, more women have been enrolling in college, leading to a stabilization in recent years. Women now make up approximately 57% of the national student population in the US, while men represent 43%.
