The enrollment gap in higher education is widening for minority groups--particularly for Hispanics and African-Americans. According to a new Education Commission of the States (ECS) report, "Closing the College Participation Gap: A National Study," if this gap were to close, there would be a 59 percent increase as opposed to an estimated 13 percent increase in student enrollment by 2015. The report cites the need to increase access for underrepresented populations, including the 48 percent of Hispanics 25 years and older who do not have a high school diploma. In an age when postsecondary education is becoming a necessity, ECS is attempting to aid policymakers and state leaders in increasing access for people who want a college education.

Although ECS calls on the United States to serve a greater number of students, unfortunately the commission does not offer specific policy options for states facing large deficits. Ted Sanders, ECS President acknowledges that there is a "perfect storm" brewing in higher education. An increasing demand for higher education is being met by higher tuitions as states cut education funding.

Internationally the United States ranks a dismal 13 out of 32 industrialized nations on educational measures, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.  This is a significant drop from its first place ranking just 10 years ago.

Individual state profiles of participation rates may be viewed on the Center for Community College Policy Web site. [Jessica Rice]

[October 22, 2003]