Between 1995–96 and 2005–06, the number of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees earned by minority students grew at a faster rate than for White students.

Between 1995–96 and 2005–06, enrollments in postsecondary degree-granting institutions increased by 23 percent, from 14.3 million to 17.5 million students (NCES 2008-022, table 3). This growth in enrollment was accompanied by increases in the number of degrees earned, with the number of associate’s degrees increasing by 28 percent, bachelor’s degrees by 28 percent, master’s degrees by 46 percent, first-professional degrees by 14 percent, and doctoral degrees by 26 percent (see table 26-1). For example, the annual number of bachelor’s degrees earned increased from 1.2 million in 1995–96 to 1.5 million in 2005–06.

Between 1995–96 and 2005–06, the number of associate’s degrees earned by minority students grew at a faster rate than for White students and accounted for over 60 percent of the increase in the total number of associate’s degrees awarded (see table 26-2). While the number of bachelor’s degrees earned by White students increased by 19 percent (from 905,800 to 1.1 million), the number of bachelor’s degrees earned by minority students increased by 64 percent (from 221,300 to 363,300) and accounted for 44 percent of the total increase during this period. Minority students accounted for 37 percent of the increase in the number of master’s degrees, 59 percent of the increase in the number of first-professional degrees, and 27 percent of the increase in the number of doctoral degrees awarded. Nonresident aliens (foreign students) accounted for 13 percent of the increase in the number of master’s degrees awarded and 40 percent of the increase in doctoral degrees awarded. Despite slower growth, however, White students still earned the majority of each type of degree awarded in each year during this period. For example, Whites earned 72 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in 2005–06, compared with 78 percent in 1995–96.

Among minority students, Blacks earned 10 percent each of all bachelor’s and master’s degrees awarded in 2005–06. From 1995–96 to 2005–06, Blacks accounted for 16 percent of the increase in the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded and 18 percent of the increase in the number of master’s degrees awarded. Asians earned 12 percent of all first-professional degrees awarded in 2005–06 and accounted for 37 percent of the increase in first-professional degrees awarded.