"These numbers are extraordinary and demand explanation. I have to say from personal and anecdotal experience, women are maturing more rapidly than men and are taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the feminist revolution. By contrast, many men of my generation are stuck in a kind of extended post-adolescence."
I'll hazard an explanation. No more alimony; iffy child support; lots of divorces; inability of most men to support a family on one salary. Chances are much higher today that a woman will have to support a family alone or at least supplement the man's check(at least for a while) than that a man will. And, I think women are aware of that. Whether they need to do it alone or to supplement/mother, it becomes very important to make a good wage; hence, college.
The extended post-adolescence is a cultural trait, reinforced in men by what I said in previous paragraph.
Joanna