Distribution of college age males in Michigan and Wisconsin

Abstract:

Recent declines in college and university enrollments in the US are not only a result of declining birth rates but also the reduced number of males attending.  Although more males than females are born in the US, and the population has more males than females through ages 35-40, enrollments are predominately female, especially in the public institutions.  Research has recognized the disconnect between the available age-appropriate population and the character of the student populations.  Although some university recruiters are aware of this disconnect there is still little understanding of the ramifications. As a result, the nature of the disciplines offered and the make-up of student majors, minors, and graduate programs often need to be reimagined or reconfigured. This can be problematic for some geography departments and programs, especially those which are currently under-utilized. Knowing where the males live can be helpful in developing more specific recruitment strategies for the institution.  This can also be true for recruitment of geography majors and minors, especially for those programs that are endanger of closing.  Utilizing a series of maps, patterns has emerged which illustrate just exactly where the age-appropriate male population is located. Along with that there are some noticeable patterns for the different demographic groups.

Keywords: College enrollments, Geography programs, male populations

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