Improving the Status of Black Male Students in U.S. Higher Education

A Role for Policymakers in Improving the Status of Black Male Students in U.S. Higher Education By Shaun R. Harper and Frank Harris IIITwo-thirds of Black male students who start at public colleges and universities do not graduate within six years, which is the lowest college completion rate among both sexes and all racial groups in U.S. higher education. Over the past decade, researchers have called much attention to these high attrition rates and other troubling trends concerning this population. Educators and administrators at all levels have employed numerous strategies to improve Black men's pathways to and through postsecondary education. This report calls for greater involvement by federal and state policymakers, as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (the policymaking organization for intercollegiate athletics), in ongoing efforts to improve the status of Black undergraduate men. The authors use policy-relevant data from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, the NCAA Federal Graduation Rates Database, and other sources to paint a statistical portrait of Black male students in postsecondary contexts. Also included is a summary of select efforts on college campuses across the country. Argued throughout the document is that well intentioned institutional activities, on their own, will not substantively improve the condition of Black male collegians. Thus, the report concludes with recommendations for policymakers.

Click here to download a PDF of the report This report was produced in collaboration with the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to promoting access to and success in higher education for all students. Based in Washington, DC, IHEP develops innovative policy- and practice-oriented research to guide policymakers and education leaders, who develop high-impact policies that will address our nation's most pressing education challenges.