There has been a sea change in college enrollment when it comes to gender over the past half century. The three graphics below illustrate the percentage distribution of men versus women enrolled as undergraduates (fall) between 1970 and 2025 (estimated). As illustrated in the first chart (left), the gender distribution has flipped over the course of a 55-year period. While men had a 58 percent share of total enrollment in 1970, by 2025 they are estimated to have a 43 percent share with the women’s share reaching 57 percent. The second chart (four-year) and third chart (two-year) show an almost identifcal shape and distribution.
Of a total fall undergraduate enrollment of over 19 million in 2025, women will constitute 10.9 million undergraduates compared to 8.3 million men.
