Georgetown University Study Documents a Persisting Gender Wage Gap for College Graduates

A new report from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., presents disturbing data on the gender earning gap.

The report found that women earn only 81 cents on the dollar compared to men. But even when controlling for college major, labor force experience, industry, union status, and occupation, women still earn only 92 cents for every dollar earned by men. The report concludes that “the remaining difference in pay between men and women after accounting for education and career choices is a clear sign of persistent discrimination.”

Perhaps most telling is the fact that women need to earn an extra degree up the education ladder in order to earn at or near the same level as men. Women with a master’s degree had average earnings of $83,000 in 2017, according to the report. But men with a bachelor’s degree had mean earnings of $87,000. Women with a bachelor’s degree earned only slightly more than men with just an associate’s degree. And women with an associate’s degree made less than men with no college experience whatsoever. Men who did not complete high school earned more than women with a high school diploma.

The full report, “Women Can’t Win: Despite Making Educational Gains and Pursuing High-Wage Majors, Women Still Earn Less than Men,” may be viewed here.