Lumina Foundation Report: Extra burdens, discrimination lead to lower Black graduation rates

Posted by Lumina Foundation on February 28, 2023

Black college students have lower six-year completion rates for any type of degree or certificate program than any other racial or ethnic group because of racial discrimination, the high cost of higher education and a multitude of external responsibilities, according to a new Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2023 State of Higher Education) study.

The study found that Black students in less racially diverse programs are more likely to feel discriminated against, physically and psychologically unsafe, and disrespected, leading them to abandon their higher education goals.

Only 35% of Black Americans have associate degrees or higher, which are essential for economic and social mobility, and Black student enrollment has also declined over the last 10 years.

“The data is sad and distressing, but the fact that we now have the data, we can’t hide and say we don’t know anymore,” said Courtney Brown, Lumina Foundation’s vice president of strategic impact and planning.

“Now we need to act on the data,” she added.

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