Gallup and the Lumina Foundation have recently released data from their 2023 survey on the experiences with and attitudes towards higher education among adults in the United States. The study surveyed a mix of currently enrolled students, adults who were previously enrolled in a higher education program but did not complete their degree, and adults who have never enrolled in a postsecondary program.
The results found that 40 percent of currently enrolled Black students have considered stopping their coursework in the past six months, compared to 31 percent of White students. This was a decrease from 43 percent in 2022, but an increase from 2021 and 2020 with 37 percent and 34 percent respectively. The survey also found that 21 percent of Black students reported they felt at least occasionally discriminated against at school, compared to 15 percent of White students.
Certificate and associate degree programs were reported as the most interesting option for Black students pursuing a postsecondary education. 26 percent of Black respondents reported not enrolled said they have considered pursuing an associate’s degree in the past two years, and 24 percent stated they have considered a certificate program. Only 16 percent reported considering a bachelor’s degree. Black respondents cited scholarship opportunities as the most important factor in college enrollment, with 59 percent stating financial aid was “very important’ in their decision to enroll in college.
More information on the partnership between Gallup and Lumina Foundation can be found here.
