FROM PEW RESEARCH College enrollment among young Americans has been gradually declining over the past decade. In 2022, the total number of 18-—to 24-year-olds enrolled in college was down by approximately 1.2 million from its peak in 2011.

Most of the decline is due to fewer young men pursuing college. About 1 million fewer young men are in college, but only 0.2 million fewer young women. As a result, men make up 44% of young college students today, down from 47% in 2011, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data.

Today, men represent only 42% of students ages 18 to 24 at four-year schools, down from 47% in 2011.