A recent study has highlighted a concerning trend where a significant number of men are opting out of college, resulting in a noticeable gap between the educational attainment of men and women.
The Pew Research Center revealed a decline in the enrollment of male Hispanic high school graduates in four-year colleges, dropping from 42% in 2011 to 33% in 2022.
Similarly, there was a substantial decrease in the attendance of white males, with 49% attending college in 2011. The reasons behind this widening gap extend beyond post-high school decisions made by men and women. Some studies suggest that this trend may be influenced by factors such as better behavior and planning skills among girls.
The decreasing number of men attending and completing college raises concerns about the potential long-term impact on men’s career earnings. Enrollment in four-year colleges has decreased in recent years, as indicated by census data. In community colleges, both genders have experienced a similar decline in enrollment.
Currently, young men constitute 49% of students aged 18 to 24 in community colleges, showing a slight increase from 48% in 2011. A concerning trend is the decline in college enrollment among male high school graduates, with only 39% enrolling compared to 47% in the 2010s. Similarly, female high school graduates also show a decrease in enrollment, dropping from 52% to 48% over an 11-year period.
A survey conducted in November 2023 by Intelligent.com, involving 800 U.S. companies, revealed that 45% of these companies plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for certain positions in the upcoming year.
Another survey of 70,000 small businesses indicated that 67% of employers believe college graduates lack readiness for the workforce. RedBalloon CEO Andrew Crapuchettes remarked, “The higher education system has essentially made itself redundant.”
The decline in college enrollment is not limited to specific ethnicities, as both White and Hispanic male high school graduates are showing reluctance towards four-year colleges.
In 2022, only 33% of students are young Hispanic men, 37% are Black, and 40% are White, marking a decrease from 2011 figures. Female graduates, on the other hand, demonstrate a stronger commitment to pursuing higher education, constituting 50% of college attendees in 2022.
The primary reason why young men are hesitant to pursue college education appears to be skepticism. There is a growing lack of faith in the value and significance of a university degree in today’s society.
Athena Kan, the Chief Executive Officer of Dreambound, a platform dedicated to career development and technical education, remarked: “There’s been a big backlash against expensive 4-year colleges whereas trade schools or apprenticeships are on the rise.” “Men, especially white men, are much more likely to enter the trades or enter the technology industry, where a degree also isn’t required,” Kan said.
The rising costs of college education and the burden of student loan debt are significant deterrents for pursuing a four-year degree. Young individuals are increasingly aware of the risks associated with accumulating student loans, with even TikTok creators taking on the role of educating their peers on this issue. The alarming statistics related to student loan debt further emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
Opting to enter the workforce directly instead of pursuing college is a valid choice for many prospective students, especially since numerous employers no longer mandate a college degree for hiring.
The Freedom Economy Index, a joint initiative by RedBalloon and PublicSquare, conducted a survey of 70,000 small businesses, revealing surprising findings. A staggering 91% of these businesses expressed the view that recent college graduates lack the relevant skills required by the current business landscape.
Even more surprising than small businesses questioning the worth of a college degree is the trend among large corporations to adopt a similar stance. Major companies such as Bank of America, Walmart, Google, and IBM are now eliminating the requirement for a college degree in their hiring processes for entry-level positions.
This shift in hiring practices signals a significant change in the traditional emphasis on higher education qualifications. A prediction of “1.4 million jobs could open to workers without college degrees over the next five years,” the Burning Glass Institute reported.
Here’s some positive news for individuals without college degrees: in 12 states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida, opportunities for government employment are available. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan took the lead in introducing job opportunities for individuals without college qualifications.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox even stated, “Degrees have become a blanket barrier to entry in too many jobs. Instead of focusing on demonstrated competence, the focus too often has been on a piece of paper. We are changing that.” Experts attribute the decline in young men pursuing college education to a widespread skepticism regarding the value of higher education and the significant student debt often associated with it.
By 2022, the number of 18- to 24-year-olds enrolled in college had dropped by 1.2 million from its peak in 2011, coinciding with the national student debt reaching $1.75 trillion.
As gender disparities continue to influence the pay gap between male and female workers, there is speculation about a potential role reversal in the future. If more companies indeed start hiring entry-level employees without a college degree, this shift could become a reality.
However, it’s essential for young men to consider that college graduates typically earn $1 million more over their lifetime than non-graduates. The decision to pursue higher education ultimately rests with them and their aspirations for financial success.
