The Educational Progress of Women

Over the past two decades, women have made substantial educational progress. The large gaps between the educational levels of women and men that were evident in the early 1970s have essentially disappeared for the younger generation. Although they still lag behind males in mathematics and science achievement, high school females on average outperform males in reading and writing, and take more credits in academic subjects. In addition, females are more likely than males to attend college after high school, and are as likely to graduate with a postsecondary degree. This report summarizes educational differences between females and males that research has shown to be related to labor market outcomes.