Opinion | How to fix the gender gap in college enrollment in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced a plan to address a growing challenge in Michigan: men are less likely to pursue higher education than women. And she’s right—we need to fix this.

Men are opting out of college at alarming rates. Since 2013, the percentage of males attending college after high school has dropped from 61.2% to 46.8% in 2023. This marks a decline of over 7,070 fewer male graduating seniors pursuing higher education. 

In the Michigan Reconnect program, which covers the cost of community college tuition for adults, women enrollees outnumber men by more than two to one.

Research tells us it’s not because they lack intelligence, drive, or ambition. It’s because they don’t see the value, think it’s too expensive, or find immediate job opportunities that offer good wages right out of high school. 

While that might seem like a solid plan initially, it creates long-term problems. As these men age, their responsibilities grow—families to support, mortgages to pay. Without a degree or certification, their earning potential plateaus, and they find themselves stuck in jobs that may not provide long-term stability. When they realize they need more education to advance, they can feel trapped –believing they’re too old, busy, or far behind to return to school.

Our research shows over 500,000 males in Michigan between the ages of 25 and 65 are interested in going back to college. Fixing the barriers around cost, confidence, and work/life obligations is essential if we leverage this deep well of talent to fill the thousands of open, good-paying jobs requiring education or training beyond high school.

So, what should we do?

First, we must change the way we talk about college. A college education—whether it’s a four-year degree, an associate degree, or a skills-based certification—can mean up to $1.2 million more in lifetime earnings. More importantly, it provides economic mobility.. It’s time we made it clearer how a degree can help individuals achieve their life goals.

Second, we need to emphasize that college is affordable in Michigan. Programs like Michigan Reconnect make higher education within reach for many adults. But awareness is key. Too many men don’t realize the financial aid options to reduce or eliminate tuition costs.

Third, we must create pathways that work for adult learners. Most men who step away from higher education can’t attend school full-time because they’re managing life’s responsibilities. 

The Michigan Center for Adult College Success was created by the Legislature in 2020 to help colleges and universities across the state expand evidence-based practices like flexible scheduling, online learning options, and employer-supported programs to make returning to school easier. 

This isn’t just an education issue—it’s an economic one. Michigan needs a skilled workforce to stay competitive, and we can’t afford to leave half of our population behind. Employers feel the challenge and can play a key role in providing upskilling opportunities to prepare their employees for future workforce demands. 

The challenge is clear. The solutions are within reach. Now, it’s time to get to work.