IDEAS AND INSIGHTS

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: American Indian or Alaska Native Students

The number of American Indian or Alaska Native students accessing and completing postsecondary credentials increased between 1995–96 and 2015–16. However, we still lack precise, national data on many educational outcomes for Native students.

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: Asian Students

The representation of Asians among undergraduate and graduate students remained relatively unchanged between 1995–96 and 2015–16. As a group, Asian students exhibited some of the highest persistence and completion rates of all racial and ethnic groups.

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: Black Students

The number of Black students accessing and completing postsecondary credentials increased between 1995–96 and 2015–16. In 2015–16, Black students accounted for a larger share of high school completers, undergraduate and graduate enrollment, and graduate school completers than 20 years prior.

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: Hispanic Students

Over the last two decades, as the U.S. population has grown more racially and ethnically diverse, so too have students across all levels of higher education. The Hispanic population’s growing numbers and rising postsecondary enrollment rates figured centrally in both trends.

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Students

Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders represent the smallest share of all students enrolled in higher education. Due to the size of this population, we still lack precise, national data on many educational outcomes for Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students.

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: White Students

The total share of White students enrolled in higher education declined between 1995–96 and 2015–16, as the student body became more racially and ethnically diverse. While more students of color have gained access to postsecondary education, equity gaps in enrollment, persistence, completion, and employment and earnings remain.

Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Spotlight: Students of More than One Race

The total share of students who identified as more than one race increased from 0.6 percent in 1995–96 to 3.3 percent in 2015–16. As the student body accessing and enrolling in higher education continues to diversify, it will become increasingly important to understand the educational pathways and experiences of students of more than one race.