The more significant differences between genders appear in discretionary programs like college work study, academic merit scholarships, research assistantships, and corporate benefit programs that pay tuition. Because many student aid programs are based on formulas, a necessary unit of analysis becomes the formula itself and other regulatory policies. Despite the fact that the value and worth of higher education are occasionally challenged, actual statistics on poverty rates, hourly wages, and life-time earnings make it clear that increased years of schooling are especially important for women. Two out of every three adults in poverty are women, Yet poverty rates decrease with additional years of education and salaries become more comparable with increased years of schooling. As the costs of attending college increase at more than double the rate of inflation, the financial concerns of women need to be addressed.
Demographic changes continue to affect patterns of college enrollment.
Since 1970, college enrollment of women has increased 77 percent, compared to a 23 percent increase for men. Indeed, women are contributing to a whole new style of postsecondary education emerging in America. Their patterns of enrollment and economic profiles differ from those of men, however, which should send warning signals to student aid analysts and college officials. Further, females with degrees are more likely to enter the careers paying the lowest salaries. Several policies are of significant concern.