Public University Student Demographics: Diversity And Inclusion

Public universities in the United States do keep track of the demographics of their students. In fall 2021, approximately 15.4 million undergraduate students and 3.2 million postbaccalaureate (graduate) students enrolled at degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the US. The characteristics of students, such as their age, race, and ethnicity, varied among public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions, as well as between 4-year and 2-year institutions.

In fall 2021, the overall US resident undergraduate student population was:

- 22% Hispanic

- 4% Two or more races

- 1% American Indian/Alaska Native

- Less than 0.5% Pacific Islander

The racial/ethnic distribution of undergraduate students also varied among different types of institutions. For example, public 2-year institutions enrolled a higher percentage of Hispanic students (27%) compared to the percentage of Hispanic students in the overall undergraduate population.

In addition to race and ethnicity, other demographic factors that are considered in the college admissions process include state of residence (especially for public universities), legacy status (mostly for private universities), and gender (usually only for STEM departments that are historically male-dominated).

Racial and ethnic diversity in student bodies

Diversity in student bodies is an important aspect of higher education, and it is beneficial to both the students and the institution. Research has shown that a diverse student body improves the social experience and learning environment for students, and also enhances their future career prospects and earnings. Colleges and universities can benefit from a diverse student body as it contributes to regional economic growth and enhances their reputation as inclusive spaces.

In the United States, the racial and ethnic diversity of college students has been increasing over time. As of 2023, around 40% of undergraduates are students of colour, with Hispanic and Latino students making up the second-largest group at roughly 18% of the total undergraduate population. White students, who made up nearly half of the student population (45%) in 2019, now account for 41% as of 2023. Black students constitute about 11% of the student body, while Asian students make up 6%, and Native American students less than 1%.

The diversity varies across different types of educational institutions. Two-year and four-year for-profit schools tend to be more diverse, likely due to their broader range of students and inclusion of non-traditional and mid-career students. Public two-year schools, which often serve as a stepping stone for minority students transferring to four-year colleges, also exhibit relatively high diversity. On the other hand, four-year public and private non-profit schools, which are considered traditional providers of higher education, tend to be less diverse.

The level of diversity in student bodies is influenced by various factors such as location, size of the school, selectivity, and the demographic composition of the surrounding region. For instance, universities in California, a state known for its racial and ethnic diversity, tend to have more diverse student bodies compared to those in the Midwest or other geographically internal locations with historically homogenous populations. Additionally, larger schools and those with higher admission rates tend to have higher diversity scores.

While diversity is generally measured by the interaction index, which calculates the probability of two randomly selected students belonging to different racial or ethnic groups, it is also important to consider the representation of different racial and ethnic groups in relation to the catchment area or the state population. This is especially relevant for public four-year institutions, which have the role of providing higher education for their state's residents. By comparing student body composition to state demographics, it is evident that White, non-Hispanic students are well-represented or over-represented in most colleges and universities. On the other hand, Black and Hispanic students are often underrepresented, with Hispanics being the most underrepresented group in public four-year universities.

To promote diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all, colleges and universities should strive to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of their student bodies. This can be achieved by implementing diversity plans, removing barriers to admission for minority students, and providing support for recruitment and retention. Additionally, institutions should continuously evaluate their progress and benchmark their diversity against their state's population composition.

Gender diversity in student bodies

Diversity in Higher Education

Diversity in higher education encompasses various dimensions, including gender, race, ethnicity, class, and sexual identity. Fostering diversity in student bodies brings numerous benefits, such as enhanced social experiences, improved learning environments, and increased future earnings for graduates.

Gender Diversity in US Public Universities

Public universities in the United States have made strides towards achieving greater gender diversity in their student bodies. Here's an overview of the gender landscape in US public universities:

• Female Students: Women have outnumbered men in college since 1979. In 2022, approximately 8.3 million women were enrolled in US postsecondary institutions, compared to 6.1 million men.
• Non-Binary and Trans Students: According to a 2019 survey by the American Association of American Universities, 0.9% of undergraduates identified as non-binary or genderqueer, while 0.4% identified as trans.
• Other Diversity Factors: Gender diversity intersects with other aspects of diversity, such as race, ethnicity, and sexual identity. For example, Hispanic and Latino/a students were the second-largest racial/ethnic group in US undergraduate programs in 2023, comprising around 18% of the total student population.

Benefits of Gender Diversity in Student Bodies

• Improved Social Experience: Students value racial/ethnic diversity as an essential aspect of their social experience at universities. A diverse student body fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging for students from various backgrounds.
• Enhanced Learning Environment: Diversity in the classroom encourages the exchange of diverse perspectives and promotes active learning. Research suggests that students benefit from having instructors who share their racial/ethnic background, which can lead to improved academic performance and retention.
• Increased Future Earnings: Attending a racially diverse university has been linked to higher future earnings. A study by Barbara Wolfe and Jason Fletcher found that graduates from more diverse colleges could expect to earn about 5% more than their peers from less diverse institutions.
• Preparation for Global Workforce: As companies increasingly operate on a global scale, graduates from diverse universities are more attractive job candidates due to their cross-cultural competencies and ability to work with diverse teams.

Strategies for Promoting Gender Diversity

To promote gender diversity in student bodies, public universities can implement a range of strategies:

• Inclusive Language and Policies: Universities should use gender-inclusive language and avoid binary gender categorizations. They should also establish non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students.
• Diverse Faculty Recruitment: Hiring a diverse faculty can serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining a diverse student body. Role models from diverse backgrounds can inspire students and create a sense of belonging.
• Support for Gender Minorities: Universities should offer support services and resources specifically tailored to the needs of gender minorities, including counseling, mentoring, and student organizations that promote gender diversity and inclusion.
• Curriculum Reform: Universities can review and revise their curricula to incorporate diverse perspectives and ensure that course content reflects the experiences of various gender identities.

Challenges and Future Directions

While progress has been made, challenges remain in achieving full gender diversity and inclusion in US public universities. Here are some key challenges and future directions:

• Underrepresentation of Certain Groups: Despite efforts to promote gender diversity, some groups, such as transgender and non-binary students, may still be underrepresented and face unique challenges in higher education.
• Intersectionality: Gender diversity intersects with other dimensions of diversity, such as race, ethnicity, and sexual identity. Future efforts should focus on promoting intersectional diversity and ensuring that all students feel included and valued.
• Policy Changes: Policy changes at the institutional and national levels can significantly impact gender diversity in student bodies. For example, changes in admission policies or financial aid programs can influence the demographics of the student body.
• Continued Research: Continued research is needed to understand the complex dynamics of gender diversity in student bodies and the impact of various interventions. This includes examining the experiences of gender minorities, the effectiveness of diversity initiatives, and the long-term outcomes for graduates from diverse universities.

Student age

The "traditional" college student is no more. In the US, the age of college students is getting older, with 60% of undergraduates now aged 21 or older.

In 2021, students aged 18-20 made up 40% of all undergraduates, with the number of students aged 18-24 declining by 5% compared to 2020. The number of students aged 25 and above also declined by 1.2%.

The average age of full-time undergraduate students in Spring 2023 was about 22.5. Part-time, graduate, and professional students tend to be older than full-time undergraduates.

The number of students enrolling in graduate programs is increasing year-on-year, indicating that more students are choosing to continue their studies beyond undergraduate level.

Adult Learners

Adult learners have different needs to younger students, often balancing their studies with full-time employment and family caregiving.

Enrollment Trends

The number of students enrolling in colleges and universities in the US has generally declined over the past decade. In Fall 2023, there were 18.1 million students enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities, compared to 19 million in 2022 and 21.1 million in 2012.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a particular drop in student numbers, with total college enrollment falling by 4% from Fall 2019 to Fall 2023. Undergraduate enrollment decreased by 5.6% during that period, while enrollment at community colleges fell by 12%.

Full-Time vs Part-Time

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the breakdown of full-time versus part-time students varies depending on the institution type.

Online Learning

The pandemic caused a shift towards online learning, with 60% of students enrolled in at least one distance education course in Fall 2021, compared to 37% in 2019.

Enrollment by State

There are more undergraduate students enrolled in online degree programs than in any one state other than Texas and California.

Student ethnicity

In the United States, public colleges and universities are increasingly viewed as providers of a qualified, racially and ethnically diverse workforce. However, the conceptualization and measurement of ethnic and racial diversity in higher education are often based on normative values rather than solid benchmarks, making regional comparisons or goals difficult to specify.

In fall 2022, there were about 19 million students enrolled in colleges and universities (including non-degree-granting institutions). Of these students, 11.5 million attended full-time, and 7.4 million attended part-time. 15.8 million attended undergraduate programs, and 3.2 million attended graduate programs. 13.6 million attended public institutions, and 5.3 million attended private institutions.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the representation of all racial/ethnic groups increased on college campuses between 1980 and 2022, except for white students. White students made up around 81% of the undergraduate population in 1980 but only 54% in 2020. The Hispanic and Latino/a population increased the most, from 4% in 1980 to just over 20% in 2020. The Asian and Pacific Islander student population increased from 2.4% in 1980 to nearly 8% in 2020. The Black student population grew from 9% to 13%. The percentage of Native American/Alaska Native college students within the total student population hovered consistently between 0.7% and 1% from 1990-2020.

In fall 2023, over 15 million undergraduate students were enrolled in the U.S. White students made up nearly half of the total undergraduate population at 40.5%. Hispanic and Latino/a students were the second-largest group at 18.3% of the total undergraduate population. Black students made up roughly 11% of the student population, Asian students 6%, and Native American students less than 1%.

Private, nonprofit, four-year universities were the least diverse institutions: 46% of students were white, and 34% were Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). About 21% did not identify their race. At public four-year schools, 45% of students were white, 39% were BIPOC, and 16% did not identify their race. At public two-year schools, 37% of students were white, 45% were BIPOC, and 18% did not identify their race. At private, for-profit, four-year universities, 29% of students were white, 43% were BIPOC, and 28% did not identify their race.

In fall 2023, roughly 55% of undergraduate students were women. In 2021, 53% of undergraduate and graduate students were white. There is no one racial majority in undergraduate college admissions. However, white students are the largest racial group represented in undergraduate programs.

Full-time vs part-time students

Public universities in the United States track the demographics of their students in various ways. One way is by looking at the racial and ethnic makeup of their student bodies. According to a 2024 report, 52.3% of college students are White or Caucasian, 20.35% are Hispanic or Latino, 13.2% are Black or African American, 7.39% are Asian or Asian American, 0.69% are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.25% are Pacific Islander.

Another way that public universities track student demographics is by looking at the number of full-time and part-time students they have. So, what's the difference between full-time and part-time students?

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Students

The difference between full-time and part-time students primarily concerns the number of credits they take during a term. Undergraduate students are typically considered full-time when enrolled in 12 or more credits during a term, which usually equates to four classes. Graduate students may take as few as nine credits to be considered full-time. However, it's important to note that every institution sets its own threshold, so it's essential to check the specific policies and requirements of your school. Part-time students generally take fewer than 12 credits and may enrol in one to three classes per week.

The enrolment status of students has several implications. Firstly, it can impact their financial aid options. Certain types of financial aid, such as federal student aid, require students to be enrolled at least half-time (six or more credits) to qualify. Pell Grants, for instance, vary according to enrolment status, with full-time students receiving higher amounts.

Secondly, enrolment status can affect tuition costs. Full-time students often pay a capped tuition fee per semester, meaning they can take up to a certain number of credits (usually 12-18) and pay the same amount. On the other hand, part-time students typically pay per credit, which can result in lower tuition costs per semester but higher overall costs if their studies are prolonged.

Thirdly, the decision to be a full-time or part-time student can impact a student's time commitment and schedule. Full-time students typically need to devote more time to their studies and may have less time for external responsibilities, employment, or extracurricular activities. Part-time students often have more flexible schedules, allowing them to balance their studies with other commitments.

Lastly, enrolment status can influence a student's overall college experience and retention rate. Full-time students tend to stay in school longer and may have more opportunities to engage in campus life and extracurricular activities. They also have more time on campus to interact with other students and professors, potentially enhancing their social experience and sense of immersion in the campus culture.

In conclusion, public universities in the United States track the demographics of their students in various ways, including racial and ethnic makeup, as well as full-time and part-time enrolment status. The decision to be a full-time or part-time student has financial, academic, and personal implications that students should carefully consider based on their individual circumstances and goals.

Frequently asked questions