Though the number of blacks in college has surged by 43 percent since the 1970s, the number of degrees awarded to black men rose 30 percent from 1977 to 1997, compared to a leap of 77 percent in black women. Indeed, more than twice as many black women in the U.S. have master's degrees than black men, according to The Associated Press. The reasons for this gap are much the same as with white males, with a couple of additional factors. Thus, teachers may harbor lower expectations for them. However, deciding not to attend college isn't always about grades.
Some black students feel unwelcome at college campuses and have adjustment problems.
Also, black males may have more family pressure than their female counterparts to become a breadwinner as soon as they come of age. And, lacking family encouragement, they don't consider college a viable option. Though women earn the most degrees, they still fall behind in certain disciplines. Men still hold the lead on engineering and computer technology, as well as other degrees that lead to higher-paying jobs. Meanwhile, women remain over-represented in traditionally female disciplines, such as education and nursing, said Sandy Bernard, president of the American Association of University Women.