The face of the average student in college is changing. It is becoming more racially diverse, broader in gender, and older in age. According to the U.S. Census, "Educational attainment has ceased to be fixed in early adulthood, especially among members of ethnic and racial minorities…The enrollment rate of Blacks and Hispanics in their 30s is more than half again as high as the rate among Whites when compared to the enrollment rate of each group in their 20s."
The census reports that the largest increase in educational attainment for the 25 and over population in most racial groups is seen among females. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education's 2001-02 Almanac, 56.4% of students in college and graduate school are women. In 1980, only 51% were women.
The Chronicle of Higher Education's 2001-02 Almanac offers many other interesting statistics regarding the demographics of today's college student. For instance, for 2-year, 4-year and graduate institutions, 16.4% of students are 35 or older. See the graph below for a complete breakdown:
The racial breakdown across college campuses is changing as well. Note the changes in the following broad racial groupings from 1980 to 1999:
Look around you: How does your campus reflect these statistics? How does this compare to what you see outside of school? Think about how the world around you is changing. Embrace the diversity on your campus. Find out about different cultures and people. Join clubs and organizations in your community.
