Hispanic College Enrollment Spikes, Narrowing Gaps with Other Groups

by Richard Fry

II. Surging Hispanic Enrollment Boosts Young College Enrollment to a Record High

In October 2010, college enrollment reached 20.3 million students, up from the prior record of 19.8 million in October 2009. Among the traditional college-age population, 18- to 24-year-olds, college enrollment also reached its highest level on record at 12.2 million, up from the prior record of 12.1 million in 2009.

Among 18- to 24-year-olds, the increase in college enrollment was entirely accounted for by the increase in the enrollment of young Hispanics. Since October 2009, young Hispanic enrollment increased by nearly 350,000 students, a 24% increase. As discussed below, the Latino enrollment increase cannot be entirely accounted for by population increase. The Hispanic 18- to 24-year-old population in toto increased by only 7% from 2009 to 2010. Read full analysis on PewHispanic.org or here>>>