College Matters from The Chronicle
Disappearing White Student
Mar 11, 2025
Katherine Mangan, a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, discusses the striking 19% decline in white student enrollment since 2018. She highlights overlooked aspects of this trend within the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Mangan explores changing perceptions of education's value, particularly among affluent white students who are opting for trade skills over college. She also shares insights into the experiences of conservative students feeling unwelcome in the college environment, leading to alternative educational choices.
34:38
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- White student enrollment has dropped 19% since 2018, indicating a significant demographic shift in higher education trends.
- Factors such as economic conditions and political climate are influencing white students' perceptions and decisions regarding college enrollment.
Deep dives
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.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
