Abstract
The study examined the decline in male enrollment and completion in higher education, aiming to identify the reasons for the decline and to propose possible solutions. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study employed semi-structured interviews to collect data from males aged 18 to 40. The findings indicate that numerous factors contribute to why males are not enrolling in or completing higher education, and reveal key thematic groups, including Early Work Life, Home Life, Support Systems, Challenges, and Choices and Decisions. These results suggest that cultural background, socioeconomic status, and gender norms affect the decisions males make concerning higher education. The study revealed that having a mentor helped and provided support to males when making.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Sex differences in education; Men—Education (Higher); College dropouts; College dropouts—Prevention; Educational attainment; Mentoring in education
Date of Award
2026
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Education
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Amanda Wickramasinghe
Recommended Citation
Valenzuela, Oscar, "Decline of male enrollment in higher education" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 1692.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1692