In 2002, for the first time ever, more women than men earned a doctoral degree from an American institution. Women received 51% of all doctorates awarded. However, that proportion did not hold true in all subject areas. For example, men still outpaced women in the physical sciences and engineering, where they earned 73% and 82% of the doctorates awarded, respectively.

Overall, though, the total number of doctorates--whatever the gender--is on the decline. Only 39,955 Ph.D.s and other doctoral degrees were awarded in 2001-02, the lowest number since 1993.

Tip: It's expensive to go to graduate school, but there are billions of dollars in financial aid to help you pay your way. Check out Reference Service Press's award-winning financial aid directories for graduate students, particularly the Directory of Financial Aids for Women.