Women's education in the United States
In the early colonial history of the United States, higher education was designed for men only. Since the 1800s, women's positions and opportunities in the educational sphere have increased. Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, women have surpassed men in number of bachelor's degrees and master's degrees conferred annually in the United States and women have continuously been the growing majority ever since, with men comprising a continuously lower minority in earning either degree. The same asymmetry has occurred with Doctorate degrees since 2005 with women being the continuously growing majority and men a continuously lower minority. Statistics Since the early 1970s, women have surpassed men in terms of college enrollment and graduation rates. According to Ellen DuBois and Lynn Dumenil, they estimate that the number of bachelor and doctorate degrees from 1950 to 1980 for women are: The statistics for enrollment of women in higher education in the 1930s varies depending upon the type of census performed in that year. According to the U.S. Office of Education, the total number of enrollment for women in higher education the U.S. in 1930 was 480,802. This information was gathered by the U.S. Office of Education on a biannual basis, and reflects an estimate for the academic year (Fall 1929 - Spring 1930). The U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of the Census performed a preliminary estimate for the same year (1930) of women in higher education in the U.S. The total number was 481,000 enrolled. This estimate was based on a calendar year census, in contrast to the academic year estimate performed by the U.S. Office of Education in the same year. Surpassing equality and overrepresentation Total undergraduate degree figures show that females outnumbered their male counterparts for the first time in the late 1970s. However, since 1981, women have steadily been outpacing men in bachelor's degrees earned, from only a 1% lead in 1980 to 33% advantage in 2015. Which means for every 100 males that graduate, 134 women do, however women have an additional privilege, "5,864 verified private scholarships, showed that there are 4 times as many scholarships specifically designated for women as opposed to those for men.". Graph of Degree Attainment over time History Colonial In Colonial America elementary education was widespread in New England, but limited elsewhere. New England Puritans believed it was necessary to study the Bible, so boys and girls were taught to read at an early age. It was also required that each town pay for a primary school. About 10 percent enjoyed secondary schooling. Few girls attended formal schools, but most were able to get some education at home or at so-called "Dame schools" where women taught basic reading and writing skills in their own houses. By 1750, nearly 90% of New England's women and almost all of its men could read and write. There was no higher education for women. Tax-supported schooling for girls began as early as 1767 in New England. It was optional and some towns proved reluctant. Northampton,