Women and Higher Education in Utah: A Glimpse at the Past and Present

Since 1940, Utah has consistently been above the national average in the percentage of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. However, in the last two decades Utah has lost its advantage, and this is particularly true for women in the state. According to the Utah Foundation, from 1940 to 2000 the educational attainment of Utah women was higher than the national average. Conversely, in 2001 Utah women fell below the national average, and the trend has continued. In 1987, approximately 31 percent of the state’s 18–24-year-old female population attended postsecondary institutions (e.g., colleges, universities, and technical schools) compared to only 26 percent nationally. This brief includes relevant demographics and research findings related to postsecondary enrollment (participation) and graduation (completion). 

Demographics

To understand educational trends in Utah, it is important to consider pertinent Utah demographics. According to the most recent U.S. Census American Communities 2006–08 Survey, Utah has a population of 2,663,500 people. Among minors, there are slightly more males (50.5 percent), but the genders are split evenly among adults. A large majority of Utahns are White (82.2 percent). The Hispanic or Latino population is the second largest at 11.5 percent; the number of citizens in this group has been rising gradually (it was 9 percent in the 2000 U.S. census count). Other cultural groups include Asians (1.9 percent); American Indians and Alaska Natives (1.1 percent); Blacks or African Americans (0.9 percent); Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (0.7 percent); and Other Races or Two or More Races combined (1.6 percent).

Enrollment

In 1987, the percentages of Utah males and females enrolled in higher education were well above the national average. These percentages for both genders have decreased over time with the female reductions most prominent when compared to the national average. However, looking at the statistics in another way, only 32.1 percent of Utah males 18–24 years old enrolled in postsecondary education compared to 38.3 percent of Utah females. Even with the discrepancy explained partly by the number of Utah males who serve an LDS missions, it is apparent that participation rates for males in Utah should also increase. It is important to note that the higher percentages of women include females in certificate trade programs (e.g., cosmetology, massage, and culinary arts) that are focused on short-term postsecondary training rather than two- and four-year degree programs.

Graduation

Utah females are not keeping pace with national trends in graduation rates and in the degrees they pursue. Utah females trail their national counterparts in all areas outlined except Education and the Trades. In education, Utah women at public institutions account for 79.4 percent of all graduates compared to the national average of 77.4 percent. This is commendable, since teachers are in demand due to the state’s growing population.6 Utah females graduating at the bachelor’s level are more likely to earn a degree in education, health, or social services. Interestingly, Utah women enrolled in trade fields account for 49.7 percent of all trade graduates, which is 12.5 percent higher than the national average of 37.2 percent. Utah has high numbers of women earning certificates and degrees in culinary arts and cosmetology. However, in Business, Health, Liberal Arts, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Utah women have lower graduation rates than their national peers.

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