Why Postsecondary Education Matters

Pursuing education beyond high school is one of the most effective ways to acquire the skills and credentials needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Without a degree, especially in a weakening economy, many students may struggle to find stable employment and earn a living wage.

This brief examines six years of enrollment data (2018-19 through 2023-24) across all 50 states to understand student enrollment patterns and the trends influencing higher education outcomes.

It finds that while Black and Latino completion rates still falls behind those of their white peers, Black and Latino enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs has increased, signaling that many students still value a four-year degree.

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At the same time, financial barriers and a lack of student supports are driving these disparities and preventing states from reaching their postsecondary attainment goals, the brief’s authors note.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Policy Changes on College Enrollment

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these disparities in college enrollment. Inflation raised tuition and living costs, heightening financial stress for students of color, while community colleges — typically the most accessible institutions for these learners — experienced steep enrollment declines that continue today.

Recent policy changes, including the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” have also reduced access to federal financial aid by increasing the number of per-semester credits required for students to receive the maximum Pell Grant from 12 to 15. These changes disproportionately harm Black and Latino students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, part-time students, and those at community colleges. Combined with attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and immigrant protections, these policies threaten to make college even less accessible for underrepresented groups.

State-Level Goals Should Center Policies That Increase College Enrollment and Completion for Black and Latino Learners

Many states have ambitious postsecondary degree attainment goals, but without intentional strategies to address racial disparities, these goals will remain out of reach, the authors explain. Following the end of race-conscious admissions, states must focus on increasing access, enrollment, and completion rates for Black and Latino students.

Key Findings

1. More Black and Latino Students Are Pursuing Degrees at Public Colleges, but Community College Enrollment Is Still Recovering

• Between 2018 and 2023, enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs grew by 4% for Black students and 5.6% for Latino students, despite ongoing debates about the value of a college degree.
• In the 2023-24 academic year, 76% of Black students and 84% of Latino students were enrolled in public institutions.
• Community college enrollment remains over 3% lower nationally than pre-pandemic levels, despite these institutions’ vital role in making college affordable and providing access to underrepresented students.

2. Certificate and Short-Term Credential Enrollment and Costs Vary Greatly

• In Indiana, enrollment in short-term credential (STC) programs grew by 8% for Black students and 3.5% for Latino students. However, nationwide growth is inconsistent, and many programs remain unaffordable, with hourly costs surpassing minimum wage in many states.

Why State Degree Attainment Goals Must Be Grounded in Equity

• Across the U.S., 52% of white adults hold a degree, compared to 36% of Black adults and 30% of Latino adults, yet higher education attainment goals often overlook racial disparities in access and completion.
• States should use disaggregated data to set realistic, equity-focused attainment goals that align education systems with workforce needs.
• Policies should expand bachelor’s pathways, improve transfer pipelines, and fund high-quality credential programs tied to labor market demand.
• Policymakers must ensure that these programs lead to high-quality, well-paying jobs by strengthening data systems and accountability standards.

The Path Forward for Postsecondary Pathways

While short-term credentials are becoming more prevalent, most students — including Black and Latino learners — continue to choose bachelor’s degrees as their route to financial security. To close racial equity gaps and meet workforce demands, state and federal policymakers must align education funding, financial aid, and completion goals with students’ choices and their long-term outcomes.

Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library