The Impact of Race on College Enrollment Trends

Enrollment among white students has declined significantly, dropping by 19% since 2018 across all types of institutions, while the overall undergraduate enrollment decreased by about 7%. This trend has raised eyebrows as it is occurring in a context where Black and Hispanic enrollment has not experienced the same decline; in fact, Hispanic undergraduate enrollment has seen a slight increase. Researchers noted that while declines in Black undergraduate enrollment were recorded, they were at much lower rates, suggesting a unique concern regarding white student enrollment patterns. The data points to a demographic shift that prompts further inquiries about what these changes signify for higher education on a broader scale.