Study Examines Perception of Higher Education Among Young Women in Utah

The Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University has recently released a report that examines the gender differences in the perceptions of higher education among high school students in Utah.

In an analysis of nearly 2,000 high school students throughout Utah, the study found that about two thirds of women planned on attending a four-year college after graduation. Among these college-bound women, 69 percent planned to start their postsecondary education immediately. In comparison, roughly 63 percent of high school male students planned on attending a four-year institution. About 42 percent of male students who were college-bound planned to delay their studies for religious reasons, compared to about 12 percent of college-bound high school women.

Earlier this year, a prior study found that Utah had the widest gender pay gap among all states, with women earning only 73 cents for every dollar earned by men. Unsurprisingly, the Utah State study found high school aged women were significantly more concerned about paying for tuition, living expenses, and course materials than their male classmates. Furthermore, young women in Utah were also more likely to report mental health and safety concerns associated with attending college.

The report authors offer several suggestions as to how Utah education, community, and religious leaders can reduce barriers to educational attainment among young women, such as enhancing financial support; improving information accessibility regarding applications, financial aid, and career planning; supporting mental health programs; and increasing the representation of women in faculty and staff positions at Utah institutions.

“To address educational disparities Utah women experience, a cultural shift led by community and religious leaders at the highest level is likely required. Some conservative ideologies and religions, which are both predominant in Utah, are more likely to support, and perpetuate, gender stereotypes,” the authors write. “By promoting a more forward-thinking narrative around gender equality, influential figures can encourage families to increase education prioritization for their daughters, help close the educational attainment gap in the long term, and inspire broader societal change.”