Washington D.C. – University graduation rates continue to rise in the U.S. while more of those beneath a cap and gown are female as the higher education gender gap narrows. (click for chart and details)
Between 1995 and 2005, the numbers of adult males with a college degree increased from 26% to 29%, while female degree earners rose from 20 to nearly 27% percent. This trend comes as younger generations earn greater numbers of college degrees, boosting the average education level of the adult population.
The trend for females is especially good news, outperforming women in older generations who were given less access to education. The added emphasis on higher education among younger U.S. citizens also bodes well for the long term economy and quality of life of the nation, as education and economic strength are historically linked.