Enrollment in graduate and first-professional programs each increased from 2000 to 2006. For both program types, total minority enrollment increased by a larger percentage than did White enrollment.

Enrollment in graduate programs increased from 1.3 to 2.2 million (67 percent) between 1976 and 2006 and is expected to reach 2.3 million in 2008 (see table 11-1). First-professional program enrollment increased from 244,000 to 343,000 (41 percent) between 1976 and 2006 and is expected to reach 354,000 in 2008. According to projections, increases in both graduate and first-professional enrollment will continue, with graduate enrollment exceeding 2.6 million and first-professional enrollment reaching 418,000 by 2017.

Enrollment trends in both graduate and first-professional programs differ by sex. More men than women attended both types of programs in 1976. By 2006, female enrollment in graduate programs had increased from 619,000 to 1.3 million (117 percent), while male enrollment fluctuated but increased overall from 714,000 to 887,000 (24 percent). Women represented 46 percent of total graduate enrollment in 1976, some 50 percent in 1984, and 60 percent in 2006. In 2008, graduate enrollment is projected to reach 1.4 million for women and 919,000 for men. In first-professional programs, between 1976 and 2006, female enrollment rose from 54,000 to 170,000 (211 percent), while male enrollment fluctuated but decreased overall from 190,000 to 174,000 (8 percent). By 2008, first-professional enrollment is expected to reach 171,000 for women and 183,000 for men.

Minorities experienced enrollment gains between 2000 and 2006. In 2006, minorities represented 23 percent of total graduate enrollment, compared with 19 percent in 2000 (see table 11-2). Minority enrollment in graduate programs increased from 359,000 to 519,000 (44 percent) during this period, while White enrollment increased from 1.3 to 1.4 million (15 percent). Among minorities, the greatest relative growth in graduate enrollment was seen for Blacks (57 percent), Hispanics (42 percent), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (40 percent). In first-professional programs, minority enrollment grew from 78,000 to 93,000 (20 percent) during this period, while White enrollment rose from 220,000 to 242,000 (10 percent). Among minorities, relative growth in first-professional enrollment was greatest for Asians/Pacific Islanders (24 percent) and Hispanics (19 percent).