Class of 2028 Enrollment Trends: Declines in Underrepresented Minority Students
Expert Perspectives by Jim Bock
The class of 2028 is the most diverse class in U.S. history, but there are still some concerning trends when it comes to underrepresented minority (URM) students. According to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of URM students enrolled in college has declined for the second year in a row.
This decline is particularly troubling given the fact that URM students are already underrepresented in higher education. In the 2020-2021 school year, only 29% of college students were URM students. This is despite the fact that URM students make up 40% of the U.S. population.
There are a number of factors that are contributing to the decline in URM college enrollment. One factor is the rising cost of college. College tuition and fees have increased by more than 250% over the past 30 years. This makes it increasingly difficult for URM students to afford a college education.
Another factor that is contributing to the decline in URM college enrollment is the lack of access to quality K-12 education. URM students are more likely to attend schools with under-resourced teachers and overcrowded classrooms. This can make it difficult for them to succeed academically and prepare for college.
The decline in URM college enrollment is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If we do not take action to address this issue, we will continue to see a widening gap in educational attainment between URM students and white students.
Here are some recommendations for how we can address the decline in URM college enrollment:
By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that the class of 2028 is truly the most diverse class in U.S. history.