ATTAINMENT FOR ALL - POSTSECONDARY PATHWAYS - Overcoming the Cumulative Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Across the Education Continuum

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Damian

From Fall 2019 through Spring 2020, The Hunt Institute released policy briefs on scalable state strategies to raise postsecondary attainment for high school graduates, first-generation students, and adult learners. This brief is the first in a three-part follow-up series, focusing on embedding equity across the education continuum. It outlines key barriers to achieving equity, provides state example initiatives, and guides policymakers with targeted questions to address persistent racial and ethnic disparities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EQUITY AND POSTSECONDARY ATTAINMENT

SNAPSHOT: RACIAL AND ETHNIC INEQUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

EQUITY ROADBLOCKS ALONG THE PATH TO HIGHER EDUCATION

BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES OF STATE EQUITY INITIATIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR POLICYMAKERS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ATTAINMENT FOR ALL: POSTSECONDARY PATHWAYS Overcoming the Cumulative Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Across the Education Continuum 􀀟 TAB L E O F C O N T E N T S 􀀟 01 INTRODUCTION 01 A BRIEF HISTORY OF EQUITY AND POSTSECONDARY ATTAINMENT 02 SNAPSHOT: RACIAL AND ETHNIC INEQUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION 03 EQUITY ROADBLOCKS ALONG THE PATH TO HIGHER EDUCATION 03 BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES OF STATE EQUITY INITIATIVES 06 GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR POLICYMAKERS 06 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ATTAINMENT FOR ALL: POSTSECONDARY PATHWAYS Overcoming the Cumulative Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Across the Education Continuum 􀀟 INTRODUCTION From Fall 2019 through Spring 2020, The Hunt Institute released a series of policy briefs, Attainment for All: Postsecondary Pathways, that highlighted scalable state-level strategies to boost postsecondary attainment rates among specific student subpopulations including high school graduates, first-generation students, and adult learners. Building upon the momentum of this series, the higher education team at The Hunt Institute has authored a follow-up series of briefs that further explore the intersection between equity and efforts to raise postsecondary attainment rates. This brief is the first of the three-part Attainment for All: Postsecondary Pathways follow-up series. This brief explores the idea of embedding equity across the education continuum to boost postsecondary attainment, identifies barriers to achieving equity, and includes examples of states’ work to ensure equity across the education continuum. The second brief will examine wraparound student support services and their role in providing an equitable postsecondary experience. The series will conclude with a third brief examining the use of disaggregated data to narrow equity gaps in postsecondary education. Note: throughout this issue brief, various terms are used to refer to different racial and ethnic groups. The use of different terms is intended to accurately reflect the framing used in the methodologies of the various underlying studies cited. 􀀟 A BRIEF HISTORY OF EQUITY AND POSTSECONDARY ATTAINMENT In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court declared education “a right which must be made available to all on equal terms” in its Brown v. Board of Education decision, overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine that had applied since the Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson ruling. The Brown v. Board decision made it clear that separate was, in fact, not equal and that school systems across the nation must open their doors to all children in a community. It has been over 65 years since this ruling and the idea of equity in education is still an aspiration rather than a reality. Integrating schools proved to be just the first step in a long, ongoing journey toward education equity in the U. S. structural and social barriers inhibiting education equity for all, including in the pursuit and attainment of postsecondary degrees and credentials. Pursuing a high-quality postsecondary education is one of the most important investments students can make. Americans with postsecondary degrees are more likely to live healthier lives, be more engaged in their communities, have higher-paying jobs, and have more job security. Postsecondary attainment is not only important for individuals; as a whole, America’s economy is reliant on a highly educated workforce. While the importance of and attention to postsecondary attainment has grown in recent decades, the ability to enroll and attain a postsecondary degree or credential remains largely unequal, as significant racial and socioeconomic inequalities still exist. It is estimated that the U.S. economy misses out on nearly $1 trillion each year due to education equity gaps that persist across income and race/ethnicity. By acknowledging where inequities exist and the barriers they create to educational attainment, we can better achieve solutions and innovations to cl

FAQs

What is the purpose of this brief in the Attainment for All series?

It is the first brief in a three-part follow-up series that examines how embedding equity across the education continuum can boost postsecondary attainment. It also identifies barriers and highlights examples of states’ work.

Which student groups does the series focus on?

The underlying series addresses specific subpopulations including high school graduates, first-generation students, and adult learners.

What does the brief report about racial and ethnic inequality in higher education?

It highlights differences in enrollment, persistence, and degree attainment across racial and ethnic groups, including underrepresentation at more selective colleges and gaps in associate’s degree or higher completion.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Damian