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African American Education Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: African American Education Statistics

  • In 2019, 38% of Black adults aged 25 to 29 had attained an associate degree or higher.
  • 87% of Black adults had a high school diploma or GED in 2019.
  • In 2017, 54% of Black children aged 3 to 4 were enrolled in prekindergarten.
  • As of 2018, 35% of African American students were learning at schools that were digitally divided.
  • In 2013, only 10% of African American students passed benchmark in integrated reasoning on the GMAT.
  • In 2018, African American students in public schools were arrested at a rate 3 times higher than their white counterparts.
  • As of 2017, 84% of Black students graduated high school on time.
  • In 2018–19, the percentages of Black students earning bachelor’s degrees in any subject area was 10%.
  • In 2019, 35% of African Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 held an associates degree or higher.
  • In 2019, the number of African American females enrolled in undergraduate programs was 1.5 times the number of African American males.
  • Around 15% of African American undergraduate students attended for-profit institutions in 2018.
  • According to NCES, as of 2019, only 19.3% of African Americans had obtained a Bachelor's degree, while 10.6% had graduate degrees.
  • As of 2019, the average SAT score for African American students was 933.
  • In 2019, only 21% of black students met university benchmarks for readiness in all four subjects (English, reading, math, science) on the ACT.
  • Only 3.9% of Black students took AP Computer Science A in 2019.
  • Black students constitute 15 percent of K-12 enrollment but 5 percent of Advanced Placement (AP) test-takers.
  • In the 2018-19 academic year, African American students made up 6.3% of medical school enrollees.
  • In 2016, Nearly 1 in 5 Black students from the high school graduating class of 2016 scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam.
  • The percentage of Black students who were chronically absent in 2014 was 20.2%.
  • In 2017, about 70% of Black public high school students graduated on time.

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Understanding educational landscapes calls for a close examination of the facts and figures surrounding them. This blog post delves into the heart of African American education statistics, showcasing the patterns, progress, and challenges present in this demographic. From enrollment percentages in different education levels to performance disparities and graduation rates, our comprehensive analysis gives insight on the state of African American education in the United States. Join us as we unpack the numbers and their implications for policy and practice.

The Latest African American Education Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, 38% of Black adults aged 25 to 29 had attained an associate degree or higher.

The figure spotlighting that a good 38% of Black adults aged 25 to 29 had secured an associate degree or higher in 2019, acts like a beacon glowing with progress. It emits profound implications and revelations for a blog post unravelling African American Education Statistics. With this piece of statistical evidence, we don’t just measure the strides taken in the realm of educational attainment, but also put into perspective the fact that pathways to higher learning are becoming increasingly accessible to this demographic. Moreover, it brings to light the perseverance of the African American community against socio-economic challenges, underscoring an uplifted narrative of communal growth, determination, and ambition.

87% of Black adults had a high school diploma or GED in 2019.

Undeniably, the statistic ‘87% of Black adults had a high school diploma or GED in 2019’ reinforces the narrative of resilience and progression in the face of obstacles historically faced by the African American community. In the context of African American Education Statistics, this figure serves as an uplifting evidence of educational attainment and progress for this particular demographic. It portrays the strides made in closing racial inequities in education and challenges often preconceived notions about education among African Americans. Moreover, it sets the stage for a deeper conversation about the barriers that this demographic had to overcome, the work that still needs to be done, and the strategies that can be employed for continued advancement in education for African Americans.

In 2017, 54% of Black children aged 3 to 4 were enrolled in prekindergarten.

Highlighting that in 2017, 54% of Black children aged 3 to 4 were enrolled in prekindergarten, offers valuable insight into the early education experiences of African American children. This statistic isn’t just a number; it symbolizes the doorway to the opportunities and challenges African American children encounter in their educational journey. By shining a light on this early education data, we can explore the themes of access, readiness, and racial disparities in the American education system. It underscores the importance of early education in building a strong foundation for future academic success, and provides a benchmark for policymakers, educators, and advocates striving to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all children.

As of 2018, 35% of African American students were learning at schools that were digitally divided.

The canvas of African American education in the United States wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the significant impediment of the digital divide. As of 2018, 35% of African American students faced the challenge of being in schools characterized by digital inequality. This characterization is important in understanding the broader education landscape, as it highlights the structural barriers inhibiting equal access to opportunities and resources. Exposure to digital systems plays a consequential role in modern education, impacting everything from attainment of key competencies to the pace of overall academic progression. Therefore, when dissecting African American education statistics, this digital divide takes center stage as both a symptom of inequality and a hurdle in the pathway to enhanced education outcomes.

In 2013, only 10% of African American students passed benchmark in integrated reasoning on the GMAT.

Highlighting the sobering fact that in 2013 merely 10% of African American students achieved a benchmark passing score in integrated reasoning on the GMAT underscores an alarming disproportion in educational success rates. Within the educational ecosystem, this statistic serves as a glaring illustration of the disparities that exist, making it particularly significant in a discussion about African American Education. It puts into perspective the challenges these students face while navigating academic landscapes, providing potential insight on systemic inadequacies, societal barriers, or lack of resources and support. Ultimately, this number helps benchmark where we stand, prompting necessary discourse and acting as a catalyst to drive educational reforms and strengthen support mechanisms for African American students.

In 2018, African American students in public schools were arrested at a rate 3 times higher than their white counterparts.

Diving deep into the realm of African American Education Statistics, we confront a glaring disparity in a storytelling digits; in 2018, African American students in public schools faced arrest rates thrice as high as their white peers. This eye-opening metric not only shines a light on the racial inequity within the American education system but also serves as a stark reminder that such disparities extend far beyond the classroom. The statistic amplifies the systemic challenges faced by African American students, including unfair punitive measures and disruptive school-to-prison pipelines. These hurdles can severely impact their academic achievements, dropout rates, and future life outcomes, thereby underscoring the urgency and necessity of immediate reform in our educational practices and policies.

As of 2017, 84% of Black students graduated high school on time.

Highlighting the fact that as of 2017, high school on-time graduation rates among African American students stood at 84%, paints a vivid picture of the significant strides made in education within this demographic. This figure emphasizes an encouraging trajectory towards closing the educational attainment gap between different racial groups. Consequently, robust and biased-free policies, and the right educational resources, can bear fruit. Moreover, it signifies an evolution in societal attitudes, a reduction in systemic barriers to education, and increased opportunities for higher education and skilled employment. Therefore, within the purview of a blog post centered around African American education statistics, this statistic serves as a key pillar, illustrating progression and sparking discussions around educational equity and quality.

In 2018–19, the percentages of Black students earning bachelor’s degrees in any subject area was 10%.

Shining a spotlight on the figure that “In 2018–19, the percentages of Black students earning bachelor’s degrees in any subject area was 10%” underscores a crucial aspect of the broader narrative on African American educational attainments. It starkly reveals the underrepresentation of African American students in higher education, steering the conversation towards the socio-economic dynamics, educational policies and potential barriers to education this group may face. Careful unpacking of this percentage sheds light on the disparities in education, further fuelling the discussions on bridging these gaps, thus setting the tone for the blog on African American Education Statistics.

In 2019, 35% of African Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 held an associates degree or higher.

The hallmark statistic of 2019, demonstrating that 35% of African Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 secured an associate’s degree or ascended higher, is a powerful testament to strides made in educational attainment within the African American community. Set against the context of historically inequitable access to higher education, this figure not only speaks to the increasing value placed on advanced education, but also underscores the manifold efforts, persistence, and resilience that characterize this community’s ongoing journey towards fostering better educational opportunities and outcomes. In line with the theme of African American Education Statistics, this statistic serves as a reflective mirror and a projection screen, illustrating present achievements while foreshadowing future potential.

In 2019, the number of African American females enrolled in undergraduate programs was 1.5 times the number of African American males.

The underscored disparity of a 1.5 ratio in undergraduate enrollment between African American females to males in 2019 undeniably reflects the gender nuances inherent in African American education statistics. This pattern of higher enrollment figures among African American women not only affirms their increasing determination and resilience in the pursuit of higher education, but also distills a worrying implication — a prevalent lag in African American male college attainment. A focus on such dynamics enriches our understanding and instigates in-depth discussions around systemic educational inequalities, biases, and potential strategies to bolster academic participation, especially among African American men.

Around 15% of African American undergraduate students attended for-profit institutions in 2018.

Highlighting the figure that around 15% of African American undergraduate students attended for-profit institutions in 2018 serves as a critical indicator of the educational trajectories within the African American community. This fact becomes particularly relevant when discussing African American Education Statistics, as it sheds light on the preference for profit-driven institutions over traditional ones. Also, it prompts a closer evaluation of potential ramifications such as financial implications, the quality of education, and post-graduation outcomes for African American students. A statistic of this magnitude is instrumental in sparking conversations about equal access to quality education, school choice, student debt, and the broader socio-economic dynamics at play.

According to NCES, as of 2019, only 19.3% of African Americans had obtained a Bachelor’s degree, while 10.6% had graduate degrees.

On the landscape of African American Education Statistics, the revelation from NCES that merely 19.3% of African Americans obtained a Bachelor’s degree as of 2019, along with only 10.6% reaching the graduate degrees milestone, carries noteworthy implications. This statistic paints a vivid picture of the pervasive educational disparity facing African Americans, pointing to structural barriers to advanced education. Therefore, it defines a critical context for any conversation around educational reforms and equal educational opportunities, reaffirming the necessity for efforts towards inclusivity, access, and fairness in the realm of academics.

As of 2019, the average SAT score for African American students was 933.

Offering a poignant glimpse into contemporary educational dynamics, the spotlight on the 2019 average SAT score of 933 for African American students demonstrates a crucial aspect of African American Education Statistics. These numerical insights can help us discern and dissect potential systemic rigidity, educational disparities, and possible areas of intervention. More than a mere figure, the score not only makes a statement about standardized testing performance but also unravels the intricate socio-economic web, academic adequacy, and equitable access to education. A closer examination of such figures in the quest for equality in educational opportunities is paramount, thus confirming the significance of this statistic.

In 2019, only 21% of black students met university benchmarks for readiness in all four subjects (English, reading, math, science) on the ACT.

Highlighting the statistic that only 21% of black students met university benchmarks for readiness in all four subjects (English, reading, math, science) on the ACT in 2019 presents a compelling case in a discussion about African American educational statistics. It underscores the persisting discrepancies within the American education system, especially regarding preparedness for higher education. Apparent from this finding is the exigency to address and bridge this educational gap that disproportionately disadvantages African American students, creating barriers for their academic progress and future opportunities. Further dialogue, attention, and strategic initiatives are required to rectify this scholastic disparity.

Only 3.9% of Black students took AP Computer Science A in 2019.

The mentioned statistic ‘Only 3.9% of Black students took AP Computer Science A in 2019’ is a glaring indicator of the racial disparity that significantly persists within the education landscape, particularly in the field of advanced academics. This low percentage underscores an urgent need for educational interventions geared towards increasing the participation and representation of African American students in Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science programs which are vital conduits of opportunity, potentially setting students on the path towards lucrative STEM careers. In an evolving digital age, the underrepresentation of Black students in such curricula constitutes not just an educational concern, but a socioeconomic one, impacting future job prospects, income potential, and broader progress towards racial equality in America.

Black students constitute 15 percent of K-12 enrollment but 5 percent of Advanced Placement (AP) test-takers.

The statistic that Black students make up 15 percent of K-12 enrollment but only 5 percent of Advanced Placement test-takers brings to the forefront a significant disparity in educational opportunities. Shedding light on these figures in a blog post about African American Education Statistics underlines the need for re-evaluation and strategy adjustment in the educational system. This keenly emphasizes that, despite fair representation in overall enrollment, the presence of African American students in more rigorous academic platforms such as AP classes is notably lacking. Accordingly, assessing this proportion can be instrumental in sparking initiatives to expand access to advanced learning pathways and ensuring equitable educational provisions for African American students.

In the 2018-19 academic year, African American students made up 6.3% of medical school enrollees.

Highlighting that African American students constituted 6.3% of medical school enrollees in the 2018-19 academic year provides a marked perspective as it evinces the representation of this demographic group in a specific, high-stakes educational niche. The figure serves as a numerical barometer to gauge whether educational opportunities, particularly in the medical field, are equitably accessible or suggest disparities. Furthermore, it implores a deeper analysis of the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors contributing to this statistic, potentially facilitating the development of strategic policies targeting equality in education. Thus, this makes it a compelling point of discussion in a blog post about African American Education Statistics.

In 2016, Nearly 1 in 5 Black students from the high school graduating class of 2016 scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam.

Underlining a critical aspect of African American education, the statistic emphasizes a noteworthy achievement: Almost 20% of Black high school graduates in 2016 earned a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam. It offers a glimpse into the academic potential within the African American student population and underscores the fundamental role that educational opportunities, such as access to Advanced Placement courses, play in unlocking this potential. In the broader spectrum of educational disparities, this figure signals progress while also serving as a call-to-action, hinting at the need for ongoing efforts to foster academic success among Black students.

The percentage of Black students who were chronically absent in 2014 was 20.2%.

A nugget of crucial information to consider while delving into African American Education Statistics is that in 2014, 20.2% of Black students were chronically absent. This gives us important insight into the challenging realities that can potentially hinder academic progress in this group. It is not just a simple percentage, but a calling to understand and address institutional, societal, and economic barriers that may contribute to high absenteeism in African American students. By doing so, we focus on the improvement of their educational outcomes, shooting beyond the surface of mere statistics, and aiming at the transformation of the narrative for Black students.

In 2017, about 70% of Black public high school students graduated on time.

Unveiling the significance of the 70% on-time graduation rate amongst Black public high school students in 2017, this figure is a resonating snapshot that underscores the dichotomies within the educational landscape. In the panorama of African American Education Statistics, this number provides both a beacon of progress and a stark reminder of the substantial room for improvement. The statistic promises a hopeful outlook, indicating that a substantial majority of Black students are successfully navigating academic pathways. Simultaneously, it serves as a poignant prompt, reminding us that 30% of Black students aren’t graduating on time—an aspect requiring further investigation, deeper understanding, and innovative solutions to ensure every student has the opportunity for timely academic success.

Conclusion

African-American education statistics enlighten us on significant advancements and persistent challenges in the realm of education among this population. Increases in high school and college graduation rates point towards a positive direction. Nonetheless, substantial gaps persist, particularly in college enrollment and completion rates, along with access to equal opportunities compared to their White counterparts. The data underscores the critical need for interventions and policies geared towards inclusivity, equity, and diversity to ensure every African-American student receives a quality education for a bright future.

References

0. – https://www.poetsandquants.com

1. – https://www.www.pbs.org

2. – https://www.www.edweek.org

3. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

4. – https://www.reports.collegeboard.org

5. – https://www.www.act.org

6. – https://www.all4ed.org

7. – https://www.nces.ed.gov

8. – https://www.www.childtrends.org

9. – https://www.www.reuters.com

10. – https://www.www.aamc.org

FAQs

What percentage of African Americans have a high school diploma?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 87 percent of African Americans aged 25 and older had completed at least high school as of 2019.

What is the college enrollment rate of African Americans?

In the fall of 2019, approximately 37 percent of African Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 were enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college as per the National Center for Education Statistics.

How many African Americans have attained a bachelor's degree?

As of the U.S Census Bureau's 2019 data, approximately 23 percent of African Americans aged 25 and over have a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the gender distribution in education among African Americans?

It is found that African American women tend to be more educated than African American men. The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2020 that about 65 percent of all African American students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions were women.

How does African American education compare to other racial and ethnic groups in America?

Although the education attainment of African Americans has improved significantly over the years, disparities still exist when compared to other racial/ethnic groups. For instance, as per the 2019 National Center for Education Statistics, 36 percent of white and 57 percent of Asian American adults had a bachelor's degree or higher compared to 23 percent of African American adults.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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