The University of Michigan is experiencing a historic decline in male student enrollment, with data revealing that 19 out of 21 colleges on campus are now female-majority. Fields traditionally dominated by men, such as architecture and public policy, are now over 60% female. Programs in the arts, design, music, theater, and dance are 94% female, while the nursing program is 86% female. The findings were published by economist Mark Perry, professor emeritus at the university.
According to Perry, young men are increasingly opting out of four-year college programs, choosing instead to enter the workforce or pursue trades that offer immediate income without the burden of student loans. He also noted that many men perceive college classrooms as favoring learning styles and behaviors more commonly found in female students, creating an academic environment they find less welcoming.
National statistics reflect a similar trend. The Pew Research Center reports that only 42% of college students aged 18 to 24 are male, down from 47% in 2011. Furthermore, just 39% of male high school graduates now enroll in college, a significant decline over the past decade. In contrast, women currently earn about 60% of all bachelor’s degrees nationwide.
The decline in male enrollment presents long-term consequences for the workforce, civic engagement, and family formation. Colleges across the country have begun implementing male-targeted recruitment strategies, including outdoor programs and vocational pathways, to reverse the imbalance.
