While some commentators have suggested that college campuses are dangerous places for women, a federal study found that for the most recent year, the incidence of rape or sexual assault per 1,000 women ages 18 to 24 was about the same whether or not they were enrolled in higher education.
Note: Estimates are based on three-year rolling averages centered on the most recent year. "Students" comprises female victims ages 18 to 24 enrolled part time or full time in postsecondary institutions. "Nonstudents" comprises female victims ages 18 to 24 not enrolled in postsecondary institutions. "Not college age" comprises female victims ages 12 to 17 and 25 or older. The figure for students in 2010 is based on 10 or fewer sample cases, with a coefficient of variation greater than 50 percent.
Number of victims per 1,000