Contrary to popular belief, going to one of the country’s top schools won’t close the wage gap for women. New data from the Department of Education suggests that women who’ve graduated from some of the most prestigious schools actually face a wider wage gap.
Of the 100 best universities and the 25 best liberal arts colleges as ranked by U.S. News College rankings, 117 schools had data available for researchers to analyze. They used data from the Department of Education to determine the average earnings for both men and women six years after beginning their higher education (excluding anyone still in school full-time), and they found that the wage gap is persistent among those graduates of these schools.
More: 5 Proven Ways to Save Money — Even When You’re Underpaid
Specifically, women earned more than men at only three of the 117 schools. On average, men earn $59,028, while women earn $47,887. This means that women start their careers earning 19 percent less than males.
More: Researchers Just Found a Link Between Women’s Money & Career Goals, And It’s Pretty Grim
Out of the 117 top schools, these are the 10 with the worst overall gender pay gaps.
1. Brigham Young University
- Male earnings: $58,100
- Female earnings: $24,800
- Wage gap: 57.3 percent
2. Princeton University
- Male earnings: $86,900
- Female earnings: $54,600
- Wage gap: 37.2 percent
3. Wake Forest University
- Male earnings: $70,000
- Female earnings: $44,900
- Wage gap: 35.9 percent
4. Rice University
- Male earnings: $76,600
- Female earnings: $49,400
- Wage gap: 35.5 percent
5. Williams College
- Male earnings: $59,600
- Female earnings: $39,200
- Wage gap: 34.2 percent
6. Pomona College
- Male earnings: $51,300
- Female earnings: $34,800
- Wage gap: 32.2 percent
7. Stanford University
- Male earnings: $112,700
- Female earnings: $76,700
- Wage gap: 31.9 percent
8. Carnegie Mellon University
- Male earnings: $94,300
- Female earnings: $64,700
- Wage gap: 31.4 percent
9. Brown University
- Male earnings: $72,300
- Female earnings: $50,200
- Wage gap: 30.6 percent
10. Duke University
- Male earnings: $105,100
- Female earnings: $73,500
- Wage gap: 30.1 percent
More: My Student Debt Is Causing Me Crushing Anxiety — What Do I Do? Women Weigh In
A version of this post previously appeared on Fairygodboss, the largest career community that helps women get the inside scoop on pay, corporate culture, benefits and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards and career advice.
Leave a Comment