Title IX and the Surprising Gender Gap in US Higher Education1

Title IX, a landmark legislation passed in 1972, aimed to expand economic and educational opportunities for women in higher education. Within a decade, women had not only caught up but surpassed men in college degree attainment. However, today, the gender gap in the awarding of college degrees has widened to an 18% point gap in favor of women. This reversal is unexpected, challenging the traditional view of gender equality as solely benefiting women. It is now evident that there are boys and men who are falling behind. The rapid changes in gender gaps make it difficult to update our beliefs and address gender inequality in both directions.