1 Million Fewer Non-Hispanic Whites in College

The number of non-Hispanic whites enrolled in college fell sharply between 2011 and 2012, according to the Census Bureau. In 2012, there were 1 million fewer non-Hispanic whites at the nation's two-year, four-year, and graduate schools—an 8 percent decline in just one year.

In contrast to the decline among non-Hispanic whites, the number of Hispanics enrolled in college increased between 2011 and 2012 and is at an all-time high. Asian enrollment also reached an all-time high. Black enrollment fell slightly between 2011 and 2012, but remains above 3 million and close to the all-time high.

Looking at the longer trend, non-Hispanic white college enrollment grew 10 percent between 2000 and 2012. Asian enrollment climbed 38 percent, black enrollment was up by 40 percent, and Hispanic enrollment more than doubled with a 138 percent rise. The non-Hispanic white share of college students fell from 69 to 58 percent during those years. Here are the numbers (and percent distribution) of college students by race (alone) and Hispanic origin in 2012...

2012 college enrollment
Total: 19,930,000 (100%)
Asian: 1,447,000 (7%)
Black: 3,038,000 (15%)
Hispanic: 3,400,000 (17%)
Non-Hispanic white: 11,650,000 (58%)

Source: Census Bureau, School Enrollment, CPS October 2012—Detailed Tables