Black college enrollment, graduation rate increase

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Throughout the nation, black enrollment has slowly increased in higher education and is presently at an all-time high.

"In 1976, black students made up 9.4 percent of all degree-giving institutions. By 2007, the African American population on college campuses has increased to 13.1 percent," said the National Center for Education Statistics on their website.

In comparison, white students made up 82.6 percent of secondary education in 1976 and 64.4 percent in 2007.

Although more African American students are enrolling into colleges and universities, not all of these students obtain a degree.

According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, the college graduation rate of black students has improved by four percent, but still remains 43 percent overall, whereas white students graduate at a rate of 81 percent.

The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education provides a few explanations as to why black graduation rates are so weak. Some colleges are more favorable toward African American students than at other campuses. A nurturing environment for black students is almost certain to have a positive impact on black student retention and graduation rates.

Also, family wealth and the availability of financial aid are important considerations. According to a study by Nellie Mae, 69 percent of African Americans who enrolled in college did not finish because of high student loan debts as opposed to 43 percent of white students who cited the same problem.