100

The State of the Dream 2004: Enduring Disparities in Black and White

Education, continued

College Education

• In 1968, just 4.3% of Blacks age 25 and older had completed at least four years of college, compared with 11.0% of whites.

• In 2002, 17.2% of Blacks ages 25 and older were college graduates, compared with 29.4% of whites.

• At the current pace, Blacks and whites will not reach college graduation parity until 2075, more than 200 years after the end of slavery.

[image:] Graph with the following text:
Percentage of People Age 25 and Over
Who Have Completed College, 1968 and 2002
1968 White 11.0%
1968 Black 4.3%
2002 White 29.4%
2002 Black 17.2%
Years to Parity: 73
Parity Year: 2075

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Educational Attainment Historical Tables, Table A-2. See Appendix for Years to Parity calculation.

Black students have made substantial progress when it comes to college enrollment and graduation. The gap between whites and Blacks under age 24 enrolled in or completing some college has narrowed greatly, with the Black rate up to 62% in 2002, and the white rate at 70%. In 1968 the figures were 38% and 53%, respectively. Yet, in 2004 obstacles to further progress remain -- while college costs have skyrocketed, financial aid has been cut. That makes it harder for low-income students, disproportionately Black, to afford four-year college degrees.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 United for a Fair Economy • Racial Wealth Divide Project