A Statistical Analysis and Comparison of Hispanic and White Student Graduate School Enrollment Trends from 2002 to 2018

ABSTRACT

Using national data from the US Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the US Census Bureau, trends in graduate school enrollment percentages for Hispanic and White students from 2002 to 2018 were analyzed and compared. Major findings from three regression analyses included: (1) a strong, statistically significant positive linear trend for Hispanic students, (2) a small, yet statistically significant, negative linear trend for While students, and (3) statistically significant differences between the Hispanic and White student regression lines, in both y-intercepts and slopes. Additional calculations with the two student regression equations revealed that convergence or equality in graduate school enrollment percentages will not occur until 2051, if current trends continue.

KEYWORDS:

• Graduate education
• Enrollment
• Hispanic/Latinx students
• Equity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.