The Racial Gap in Educational Attainment in the United States

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the extent of the racial gap in higher educational attainments in the United States.

The study found that 93.4 percent of non-Hispanic White Americans over the age of 18 had graduated from high school. For African Americans over the age of 18, the high school graduation rate is 87.2 percent.

Some 66.2 percent of non-Hispanic White Americans over the age of 25  have at least some college experience, compared to 55.2 percent of African Americans. Well more than one third, 38.8 percent, of non-Hispanic Whites over the age of 25, have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree. For African American adults, 25.2 percent have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

More than 14.6 percent of adult non-Hispanic Whites hold an advanced degree compared to 8.9 percent of adult African Americans. Some 2.3 percent of non-Hispanic Whites adults hold a doctoral degree. For adult African Americans, 1.2 percent hold a doctorate.

The data tables from Educational Attainment in the United States: 2018, may be downloaded here.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Three African Americans Appointed to University Faculty Positions

The faculty appointments are Dexter Blackman at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Stephanie Henderson at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and Yolanda Pierce at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Virginia State University Approved to Launch Master’s Degree in Data Analytics

The master's degree in data analytics will prepare students to use data to make strategic technology and business decisions. The new degree program will be the 14th established master's degree at Virginia State University.

Samuel Frimpong Honored for Outstanding Contributions to Mineral Industry Education

Dr. Frimpong was honored by the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration with the 2024 Mineral Industry Education Award. He currently serves as a professor of mineral engineering, the Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair, and vice provost for graduate education at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

North Carolina A&T State University Establishes Doctorate in Pharmacy Pathway Program

The Early Assurance Program will provide North Carolina A&T University students who are interested in pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy with the opportunity for assured admission to the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Featured Jobs