News Update

‘Exceptional’ barriers stop Black students from succeeding in higher ed

Black students face “exceptional” psychological, financial and physical barriers in higher education, according to a new survey by the Gallup and the Lumina Foundation.

Black students are less likely than any other racial or ethnic group to complete any credential or certificate. Researchers say that discrimination, the cost of education and responsibilities outside of school stop Black students from getting credentials — or even enrolling in the first place.

Over 12,000 adults this fall, including 1,106 non-Hispanic Black currently enrolled students were surveyed. Here are some of the key findings outlined in the report “Balancing Act: The Tradeoffs and Challenges Facing Black Students in Higher Education“:

  • 21% of current Black students say they feel discriminated against frequently or occasionally at their institution. Black students were more likely to say they were discriminated against at private for-profit schools (34%), short-term credential programs (32%) or less diverse institutions (31%) .
  • 36% of Black students have responsibilities that interfere with their education, such as caregiving or a full-time job — double the rate of other students.
  • 59% of Black bachelor’s students say they need greater flexibility in their work or personal schedule to stay enrolled in their degree or credential program.
  • 46% of Black students with additional responsibilities are more likely to say they considered stopping their coursework in the last six months 

The systemic discrimination that Black students experience in increasingly popular short-term credential programs and at for-profit colleges may point to the need for more oversight, researchers say. Black students’ experiences at for-profit institutions is “particularly problematic” given that Black students make up a larger share of the student population at these types of schools than at public or private nonprofit schools.

This research points to the need for leadership at higher education institutions who wwill address discrimination and its psychological toll, said Courtney Brown, Lumina Foundation’s vice president of strategic impact and planning.

“There needs to be somebody that’s not only going to listen, but take action on that and not dismiss it,” Brown told CNN. “Far too many students have tried to report things and it’s been dismissed based on the color of their skin, their age or their gender.”

She said this data should also serve as a wake-up call for policymakers who have an image of college students as kids who start college at 18, live on campus for four years and graduate.

“We have been trying to educate policymakers about today’s students. How do you think about child care on campus?” Brown told the 74.

 

EdSource receives funding from several foundations, including the Lumina Foundation. EdSource maintains sole editorial control over the content of its coverage.