BURLINGTON, Vt. — A significant decline in male college enrollment is reshaping the educational landscape in New England, prompting concerns over broader societal implications. Across many campuses, males now represent less than 40 percent of the student population, a stark contrast to the historical gender balance that has favored women. This trend not only marks a shift in higher education demographics but also raises critical questions about the long-term economic prospects for young men.
The enrollment gap has widened considerably over the past decade, with female enrollment in co-educational four-year institutions increasing by 30 percent, while male enrollment grew at only half that rate. The ongoing student debt crisis, alongside shifts in societal expectations, appears to be influencing these trends. According to Michael Kimmel, a retired professor of sociology and gender studies at Stony Brook University, many young men are struggling to find their footing. He noted the risk of increased disillusionment among men who feel unanchored in their economic pursuits without a college degree, stating, “We’re seeing that in the rise of disaffected young men drifting into conspiracy theories.”
Data indicates that women’s college enrollment in New England exceeds that of men by approximately 35 percent. Notably, prestigious institutions such as Brandeis, Northeastern, and Tufts have seen male enrollment drop below 45 percent, while the University of Vermont and others have fallen below 40 percent. Community colleges, often a low-cost option, reported that only 37 percent of degree-seeking students were men in the most recent academic year.
For many young men, the decision to pursue higher education is complicated by financial anxieties. Avery Hadik-Barkoczy, a 22-year-old from Stowe, Vermont, expressed concerns about accumulating debt without a clear career path. “What if I go to school and I get a degree and I don’t pursue a career with that degree?” he asked, reflecting a sentiment shared by many of his peers.
Experts attribute the decline in male college enrollment to various factors. Developmental differences can play a role, as boys often mature at a slower pace, impacting their academic discipline. Additionally, there is a notable lack of male elementary school teachers, which can affect boys’ engagement in education. Influential voices in the tech industry, such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, along with popular media figures like Joe Rogan, have propagated messages questioning the necessity of a college degree for success. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, remarked, “There’s this underlying message that real men don’t need college.”
The disparity is also evident in the classroom dynamics. Anthony Garofalo, director of guidance and counseling at Braintree High School, observed that the academic top tier has shifted significantly toward female students, with around 75 percent of the top students now being female. He noted that boys often struggle to find their place within traditional educational frameworks.
Despite these challenges, some colleges are actively seeking to attract more male students. Notable institutions like Babson College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute continue to draw male enrollments, particularly in technology and business fields. Some schools, including the University of Vermont, have initiated programs specifically designed to address the gender gap. In 2025, the university launched its Men & Masculinities Programs to foster a supportive environment for male students. Evan Cuttitta, who leads this initiative, emphasized the importance of creating spaces for self-reflection among male students.
Efforts to address the gender imbalance have included expanding academic programs that appeal to male students, such as business studies and sports management. James Herbert, president of the University of New England, noted the college’s investment in these areas aimed at attracting male students. He stated, “It’s not a zero-sum game. We can acknowledge the issues that affect men disproportionately without losing sight of the work that still needs to be done to promote gender equity with women.”
Some colleges have also introduced new sports programs to attract male students. New England College and Colby-Sawyer College have recently added football and lacrosse teams, respectively, in hopes of balancing enrollment figures between genders.
While the challenges facing young men in higher education are evident, many believe that the benefits of earning a college diploma remain significant. Jason Furman, an economist at Harvard University, asserted that a college degree protects against adverse employment trends and can lead to better economic outcomes. “Most of the economic decline we’ve seen for men over the last 60 years has been for people with a high school education or less,” he noted.
The University of Vermont has particularly focused on creating a sense of belonging for male students. Initiatives like a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition have attracted male participants, offering scholarships to encourage engagement. Matty McPherson, last year’s winner, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to graduate debt-free and continue his entrepreneurial pursuits.
As the landscape of higher education evolves, the implications of the declining male enrollment rates extend beyond campuses and into society at large. Addressing the needs and aspirations of young men will be essential in fostering a balanced and equitable educational environment. In this shifting paradigm, understanding and supporting male students may ultimately shape the future workforce and, by extension, the economy as a whole.
