Rising tuition, falling diversity

While the government and colleges claim to be increasing access to college for students of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, a new study finds that diversity is actually decreasing at many schools.

What’s the culprit? Rising tuition, which makes it more difficult for low-income students (many of whom are ethnically diverse) to afford college.

Less selective colleges lose more diversity

According to Hechinger Report, a new study by Gregory Wolniak of New York University and Drew Allen
 of NYU and the City University of New York found that as less selective public colleges raise their tuition by $1,000, their racial and ethnic diversity decreases by almost 6 percent.

The research found that for every 1 percent increase in in-state tuition and fees, there was a decrease of more than one-tenth of 1 percent in racial and ethnic diversity.

While tuition increases at more selective colleges also lowered diversity, the difference was lower because these schools have more resources to help low-income students pay for college and award more financial aid,

But Jon Marcus makes an important point for Hechinger Report: these colleges were also less diverse to begin with. Selective colleges are, on average, 23 percent nonwhite, compared to less-selective institutions, which are 41 percent nonwhite.

All students should have access to college

The report makes it clear that low-income students are having a harder time affording college as colleges raise their prices.

And since nonwhite students make up a large chunk of low-income students, high costs are limiting their access to college.

No student should be limited by their ability to pay when choosing whether to attend college. Even as costs increase, there are ways to make college affordable for all students and families.

No matter your income, we can help you figure out how to pay for college and make a wise choice on your college investment. If you want to learn howe we can help, give us a call toll-free at 1-888-234-3907 or contact us using this form.