Steep gender gap in US STEM education: Men outnumber women 7:1 in engineering majors in some colleges

A recent study has highlighted a troubling trend in US

STEM education

: The

gender gap

in engineering and

technical fields

is widening, particularly at institutions serving students with lower math achievement. A 2024 study named, An institution-level analysis of gender gaps in STEM over time, authored by Joseph R. Cimpian and Jo R. King reveals that men now outnumber women by a staggering 7:1 in engineering majors at colleges with lower average SAT math scores. This widening divide poses a significant challenge to

gender equality in STEM

education and career pathways.
A Disparity Across Institutions
The study, which analyzed data from over 34 million bachelor’s degrees awarded between 2002 and 2022, identifies a sharp contrast between institutions serving high-achieving students and those serving lower-achieving students. At elite universities, the gender gap in technical fields has been steadily shrinking. Women now make up nearly half of engineering students at some top schools.
However, at colleges serving low-achieving students with lower math scores in SAT—often those that serve underrepresented and lower-income students—the gender gap has become even more pronounced. The

male-to-female ratio

in physics, engineering, and computer science (PECS) majors at these institutions has grown from 3.5:1 in 2002 to a staggering 7.1:1 in 2022. This stark contrast reflects the growing difficulty these schools face in recruiting and retaining women in technical programs, despite the financial and career advantages these fields offer.

Why the Gap Matters
The gender disparity is not just a matter of representation—it has real financial implications. Graduates with degrees in engineering and other technical fields tend to command higher salaries. Research suggests that women may actually experience a larger earnings boost from these degrees at less-selective institutions compared to their male counterparts. By overlooking the challenges faced by women at these institutions, policymakers risk missing an opportunity to equip more women with valuable skills for high-paying careers in STEM.
The findings call for urgent action to address the gender gap, particularly in institutions that are struggling to support women in technical majors. Expanding mentorship programs, providing research opportunities, and increasing targeted funding could help bridge this growing divide.