The College Completion Gap and How to Close It

Often overlooked in debates about the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action are the large racial disparities in college completion rates. Among newly admitted students seeking a bachelor’s degree at 4-year colleges and universities, less than half of Black students—46%—complete the requirements for a degree within 6 years. By contrast, 78% of Asian students and 68% of white students do so. Graduation rates for Hispanic and multiracial students fall between those of Black and White students but below the overall rate of 65%.