Overall Increase in College Degree Holders

Between 1960 and 2022, the percentage of the U.S. population with a college degree has seen a significant rise, from approximately 12.0% for males and 7.0% for females in the early 1960s to 36.2% for males and 39.0% for females by 2022.

Gender Gap Closure and Reversal

The gender gap in college degree attainment not only closed but reversed over the decades. In 1940, males were more likely to have a college degree at 5.5% compared to 3.8% for females. By 2022, the trend flipped, with 39.0% of females holding a degree versus 36.2% for males.

Rapid Growth for Females in the Late 20th Century

Female college degree attainment experienced a rapid growth period from 1970 to 2000, jumping from 8.2% to 23.6%, reflecting a shift in societal norms and increased access to higher education for women.

Stagnation and Decline for Males in Early 21st Century

After reaching a peak of 29.4% in 2004, the percentage of males with a college degree experienced stagnation and a slight decline before resuming growth, indicating possible economic or societal factors affecting male educational attainment.

Acceleration in Degree Attainment Post-2000

The first two decades of the 21st century saw an accelerated increase in college degree holders among both genders, with females ' percentage rising from 23.6% in 2000 to 39.0% in 2022 and males ' from 27.8% to 36.2% in the same period, highlighting the growing importance of higher education.

Variability in Yearly Growth Rates

Yearly growth rates in college degree attainment have varied, with some years witnessing more significant increases than others, reflecting the influence of economic conditions, policy changes, and societal trends on higher education.

The 1980s: A Decade of Moderate Growth for Women

The 1980s marked a period of moderate growth in female college degree attainment, starting from 16.0% in 1985 and reaching 18.1% by 1989, indicative of ongoing changes in the labor market and societal expectations.

Comparison of Early and Late 20th Century Growth

Comparing the growth in college degree attainment from the 1950s to the 1990s, the percentage of college-educated women more than tripled, while the percentage for men approximately doubled, underscoring the transformative impact of the latter half of the 20th century on educational attainment.