WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Less than a quarter (21%) of black college graduates nationally strongly agree that their professors cared about them as a person, compared with 34% of white college graduates. While Hispanic college graduates (29%) are also less likely than white graduates to strongly agree with this statement, they are still more likely than are black graduates.
| 5 - Strongly agree | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 - Strongly disagree | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| % | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All recent graduates | 32 | 29 | 23 | 12 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| White graduates | 34 | 29 | 21 | 12 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Black graduates | 21 | 23 | 38 | 13 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hispanic graduates | 29 | 34 | 23 | 8 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gallup Alumni Survey, Oct 24-Nov 7, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
These results are based on interviews with more than 1,600 college graduates who completed their bachelor's degree between 2010-2019. Even when combining those who indicate moderate agreement with the statement (responding with a 4 or 5 on the agreement scale), significant racial gaps persist. Majorities of whites (63%) and Hispanics (63%) versus 44% of blacks agree that their undergraduate professors cared for them as a person.
Black graduates (16%) are also more likely than white graduates (10%) and Hispanic graduates (8%) to say that their university was not a good place for students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups. These data come amidst recent reports that black graduates doubt their alma mater would have appropriately handled a discrimination claim -- another critical measure of inclusion on college campuses nationally.
These data are similar to important insights released in 2017 research conducted by the Strada Education Network -- a social impact organization focused on reforming postsecondary education to serve vulnerable populations better. The research found currently enrolled black students were less likely than their peers to strongly agree they felt safe in their school.
| 5 - Strongly agree | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 - Strongly disagree | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| % | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All students | 40 | 36 | 17 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| White students | 44 | 35 | 15 | 5 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Black students | 32 | 35 | 23 | 7 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hispanic students | 36 | 37 | 19 | 6 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strada-Gallup Student Survey, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Black Grads Report Less Access to Academic Resources
Black students also experience significant challenges in accessing the academic resources necessary to be successful in their undergraduate experience. About half of white graduates report they had access to the resources they needed to be successful academically while completing their degree; however, just 36% of black graduates say the same.
| 5 - Strongly agree | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 - Strongly disagree | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| % | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All recent graduates | 45 | 38 | 12 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| White graduates | 46 | 37 | 12 | 3 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Black graduates | 36 | 36 | 20 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hispanic graduates | 39 | 40 | 13 | 2 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gallup Alumni Survey, Oct 24-Nov 7, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Black Grads Report Student Loans Restrict Job Opportunities
The challenges black students face extend beyond their student experience. National research shows that black graduates borrow at higher rates than their white peers to complete their four-year degrees. In addition to the obvious financial impact student loans have on graduates' long-term financial wellbeing, they have an important effect on graduates' quality of life and ability to work in a job they are passionate about. About a quarter (26%) of recent black graduates report that, because of their student loans, they are unable to work in a job they are truly passionate about, while only 14% of white and 16% of Hispanic graduates say the same.
| 5 - Strongly agree | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 - Strongly disagree | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| All recent graduates | 15 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| White graduates | 14 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Black graduates | 26 | 3 | 13 | 20 | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hispanic graduates | 16 | 9 | 10 | 15 | 51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gallup Alumni Survey, Oct 24-Nov 7, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Implications
These data are released at a time of extreme tension in the U.S. as adults of all races/ethnicities report deep frustration, anger and disappointment over racial inequality. Unfortunately, these data remind us that this inequality exists within the financial, social and academic experiences black students have in college and that those experiences have lasting effects after graduation.
Higher education has the unique ability to address inequality directly and positively -- acting as an equalizer for students from all backgrounds, including those of different races/ethnicities. But that mission can only be realized if there is equality in students' actual college experiences. This past week, we heard from presidents of major universities who confirmed their commitment to students of all backgrounds. That leadership is critical at this moment, as is listening to students directly.
It is only through listening that leaders can understand, and it is only through understanding that leaders can improve the quality of the college experience for all students.
Learn more about the Gallup Alumni Survey.
