Federal Report Uncovers Gender Differences in the Persistence of First-Time College Students

A new report from the United States Department of Education has outlined the attainment and persistence rates of 2019-2020 first-time postsecondary students after three years, including differences between students of different genders.

Among all first-time college students who began their education in the 2019-2020 academic year, 47.9 percent were enrolled at a four-year institution, 16.9 percent were enrolled at a less-than-four-year institution, and 22.6 percent were no longer enrolled in postsecondary education by 2022.

For women, 48.6 percent were enrolled at a four-year institution, 16.5 percent were enrolled at a less-than-four-year institution, and 20.9 percent were no longer enrolled at any institution. In comparison, men were nearly 3 percentage points less likely to be enrolled at a four-year institution and nearly 4 percentage points more likely to no longer be enrolled at any institution. Students of different gender identities were even less likely to be enrolled at a four-year institution and significantly more likely to be enrolled at a less-than-four year institution compared to men and women students.

Considering the 2019-2020 academic year was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the report tracked several personal difficulties first-time postsecondary students faced when pursuing their education. Despite women in this group being more likely to persist with their education, women and gender-nonconforming students experienced significantly higher levels of stress than their male peers during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Over 80 percent of women and nearly 90 percent of gender-queer students reported increased stress or anxiety because of the pandemic’s impact on their education, compared to 64.4 percent of men. Women were significantly more likely than men to have difficulties paying their living expenses and accessing food during this time, and more likely to have lost their job or income. These disparities were particularly exacerbated among gender-nonconforming students – 31.4 percent of whom reported a loss in income during this time. This is nearly double the share of male students who experienced a setback in their employment.

Related Articles

Latest News

Data Shows High Attrition Rates for Women in STEM Degree Programs

For women who began their four-year college career in a STEM discipline, 14 percent dropped out of college and 32 percent switched to a non-STEM major before earning their degree.

Monique Guillory Named Ninth President of Dillard University

Dr. Guillory has served as Dillard University's interim president for the past seven months. Her background includes over three decades of higher education administration experience.

Lynne Coy-Organ Is the First Woman President of Husson University

Lynne Coy-Organ has been named the first woman president of Husson University in Maine. She has served as the university's provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the past 15 years.

Donna Hedgepath Will Be the First Woman President of Wayland Baptist University

Current provost of Campbellsville University in Kentucky, Donna Hedgepath, has been named president of Wayland Baptist University in Texas, making her the first woman to be selected for the position.

Three Women Scholars Appointed to Provost Positions

The new provosts are Elizabeth Dumont at the University of California, Merced, Marguerite Giguette at Xavier University in New Orleans, and Margaret Brown Marsden at Midwestern State University in Texas.

Lecturer in Stage Management

The Lecturer in Stage Management will be responsible for teaching three courses and stage managing three Main Stage shows in the Department of Theater and Performance Studies production season.

Vice President for Finance and Enrollment Services

The Vice President for Finance and Enrollment Services is the Chief Financial Officer and principal advisor to the President on all matters related to the management and oversight of business and financial affairs of the College at all campuses and locations, the Foundation, and budgeting oversight for grants.

Assistant Professor in Metabolism Research

The Morgridge Institute for Research, in partnership with the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, seeks a joint tenure track assistant professor to lead a vibrant metabolism-focused research program.

Executive Assistant to the President

The Executive Assistant to the President plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the President's Office at San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), ensuring seamless administrative support that reflects the institution's high standards of professionalism and service.

Acquisitions Librarian

The Acquisitions Librarian responsibilities have an emphasis on one-time, profile-based and approval plan acquisitions that support the general collection, Special Collections and Area Studies.