April 2025
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Education Insights Center (EdInsights) or the California Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP).
Carlos Aguilera. Public Policy Professor, University of Redlands
Is college still worth the investment? For many people, the answer is a no-brainer, especially considering those with bachelor’s degrees earn $2.8 million throughout their careers on average, 75% higher compared to individuals who only have a high school diploma (Georgetown University Center). Despite recent declines in college enrollment, higher education remains a powerful tool for individual and societal advancement. A degree can open doors to success, and the benefits of attending college far outweigh the costs.
For many marginalized groups, attending college remains an unattainable goal, with most questioning if the tassel is worth the hassle. Recent trends indicate fewer Latino and Black high school students aspire to attend college, with numbers dropping considerably in the past few years. Experts attribute this trend to rising inflation, low unemployment rates, and increasing college costs, which have made the opportunity cost of higher education exceptionally high for low-income, first-generation students and men of color. Many opt to enter the workforce rather than attend college, making it imperative for learning institutions to develop viable learning pathways to better support students.
My participation in the California Education Policy Fellowship Program (CA EPFP) has provided me the space to both reflect on my own experience of navigating the path to higher education as a first-generation Latino student and visualize solutions to improve the educational outcomes of future generations.
Without access to higher education, Latino and Black men remain disproportionately limited in their economic mobility. The declining enrollment rates of men of color, particularly Latino and Black men, in college and university settings is concerning for multiple reasons, including the economic, social, and civic implications. As technology and automation replace low-skill jobs, the absence of a college degree makes individuals more vulnerable to unemployment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers without postsecondary education experience higher unemployment rates and greater job instability. An additional benefit of education is that those with postsecondary education are better able to adapt and pivot into new careers as industries evolve.
Additionally, higher education plays a central role in fostering civic engagement and democratic participation. College-educated individuals are more likely to vote, participate in community service, and engage in policy making. Research found a direct correlation between education levels and voter turnout, as there is an increased interest in politics. Education has become the most significant factor in predicting voting behavior in the United States, making it a defining divide in modern politics. Without education, marginalized communities are disproportionately at risk of suffering the effects of political underrepresentation and disenfranchisement.
Over the past decade, Latina and Black women have made extraordinary progress in higher education, increasing their college enrollment and degree attainment rates. Despite the overall decline in Black student enrollment, the rates of Black women with college degrees have significantly improved over the past ten years by nearly 24%. This trend suggests that Black women recognize the transformative power of higher education, using it to achieve financial stability, build professional networks, and advance in their careers.
Likewise, Latina women have seen significant growth in college enrollment rates. According to EdTrust, Latinas have been outpacing Latinos in earning college degrees, demonstrating steady progress in educational attainment levels. While only about a quarter of Latinas possess college degrees, this statistic reflects notable growth, even as overall disparities continue. Higher education increases lifetime earnings, improves job stability, and provides access to otherwise unavailable professional opportunities. The rising enrollment and degree completion rates among Black and Latina women signal a positive shift in the world of education.
Increasing college enrollment and success rates for Latino and Black men requires a multifaceted approach. While students of color face numerous challenges across the board, by addressing the structural inefficiencies affecting Latino and Black men and prioritizing their success, higher education institutions can create targeted solutions to empower the next generation of Latino and Black male leaders:
- Strengthen Mentorship
Research shows that Black women rely heavily on mentors, advisors, and college recruiters when making decisions about higher education. Expanding mentorship programs and increasing access to college advisors can provide Latino and Black men the necessary support to navigate the college application process. Further, Black and Latino men experience higher dropout rates than their peers due to economic pressures, negative stereotypes, and an overall lack of institutional support. Institutions should develop mentorship programs, support groups, and career development initiatives specifically tailored to men of color.
- Expand Financial Aid and Reduce Economic Barriers
One of the most significant obstacles to college attendance among Latino and Black students is financial constraints. Many students choose to enter the workforce instead of pursuing higher education due to rising tuition costs and limited financial aid opportunities. Economic pressures and the appeal of short-term job opportunities often influence Latino and Black men’s educational journeys and keep them from completing their degrees. Expanding the accessibility of Pell Grants, need-based scholarships, and work-study opportunities can ease this economic stress. Additionally, colleges should offer clearer pathways between education and employment, such as apprenticeships and paid internships, to provide students with economic stability while they study.
- Increase Faculty Diversity and Representation
Colleges should prioritize hiring diverse faculty and staff who reflect the student body. Research demonstrates faculty diversity is critical in student retention and graduation rates, particularly among underrepresented students. Exposure to diverse educators fosters inclusivity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, ultimately leading to higher graduation rates.
- Support Community Colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI), and HBCUs
These institutions have traditionally focused on and served as accessible pathways for Latino and Black students. Increased state and federal funding can help community colleges, HSIs, and HBCUs provide better student services, career counseling, and financial assistance. Also, since many students of color begin their higher education journey at community colleges, states must improve transfer pathways to make it easier for students transitioning from two-year to four-year institutions without losing credits or momentum.
- Addressing Systemic Barriers in K-12 Education
Many Latino and Black students face educational disparities in K-12 education, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to college readiness. These challenges are then amplified when higher education institutions are unprepared to meet students where they are. Schools in marginalized communities need improved funding, better teacher training, and increased representation of Black and Latino male educators to serve as role models. Further, implementing college readiness programs in traditionally underfunded schools can better support students in the transition from K-12 to higher education.