Enrollment of Latino Students in Public Institutions Varies Greatly by State

Title: Broken Mirrors II: How Many Latino Students Are at Public Colleges and Universities?  Not As Many As There Should Be

Source: The Education Trust

Authors: Marshall Anthony, Jr. and Kayla C. Elliot

A new report released by The Education Trust finds that considerable enrollment and attainment gaps persist among Latino college students. Using IPEDS and census data, Ed Trust examined how Latino students fare at public two- and four-year colleges and universities across 44 states.

The authors focus particularly on the top ten states with the largest share of Latino residents: CA, TX, FL, NY, IL, AZ, NJ, CO, NM, GA. They contend that a handful of states are making significant strides at closing equity gaps between Latino and White students.

However, Latinos, more than any other racial group, remain among the most underrepresented in degree attainment in most states. This is particularly true at selective public four-year institutions. An article synthesizing the report suggests that the representation of Latino students enrolled in public institutions has not kept pace with the substantial growth in racial diversity of the United States.

The report’s authors urge states to consider the following key recommendations: (1) Set state targets to close racial equity gaps, (2) address systemic racism and the barriers it creates for Latino college students, and (3) increase funding to remove barriers and build sustainability.

Click here to read the summary article, and here to view the full report.

—Darsella Vigil