Inequality in education
Not all Americans have an equal chance of a high-quality education.
Statistics show that white Americans and Asians consistently outperform Hispanics and black Americans in terms of educational attainment.
Asian Americans make up 5% of the US population and 10% of undergraduates. Some Asian groups do better than others. Japanese and Korean Americans who traditionally value education and tend to have higher levels of family stability and higher incomes, perform best.
Percentage (%) of 25-29-year-olds who had completed at least high school by racial group (2022)
| Racial Group | white | Asian | black | Hispanic |
| Percentage (%) | 97 | 99 | 95 | 88 |
| Racial Group | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| white | 97 |
| Asian | 99 |
| black | 95 |
| Hispanic | 88 |
Percentage (%) of 25-29-year-olds who had completed an associate or higher degree by racial group (2022)
| Racial Group | white | Asian | black | Hispanic |
| Percentage (%) | 56 | 78 | 36 | 34 |
| Racial Group | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| white | 56 |
| Asian | 78 |
| black | 36 |
| Hispanic | 34 |
Percentage (%) of 25-29-year-olds who had completed a bachelor鈥檚 or higher degree by racial group (2022)
| Racial Group | white | Asian | black | Hispanic |
| Percentage (%) | 45 | 72 | 28 | 72 |
| Racial Group | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| white | 45 |
| Asian | 72 |
| black | 28 |
| Hispanic | 72 |
Looking at the lowest educational attainment level, completing at least high school, there are differences between racial groups, with only 88% of Hispanics at least completing high school compared to 99% of Asian Americans.
However, the educational gap between the different racial groups widens as educational attainment increases. At the highest level, completing a bachelor or higher degree, 72% of Asian and 45% of white Americans attain at this level compared to just 28% of black and 25% of Hispanic Americans.
Causes of educational inequality
There are wide inequalities within schools in the USA. There are differences in exam results and experiences between pupils in private and public (state-run) schools. The quality of education pupils receive in public schools can also be very different from one school to another.
Statistically, a greater percentage of people from minority groups live in poorer areas.
This can mean schools in the most deprived areas having the following educational disadvantages:
- Attracting suitably qualified teachers. Black American and Hispanic students are more likely to be taught by partially-qualified teachers with less experience compared to white students. Problems attracting and retaining suitably qualified teachers can also result in classes going untaught
- Shortage of resources. Poorer schools may have less equipment such as computers and buildings may require extensive repairs. Access to certain subjects such as STEM subjects may also be an issue
- Discipline. More disruptive and disaffected students makes it harder for education to take place. Black Americans have been found to be excluded from school at disproportionate rates
- A language barrier. Parents who do not speak English may be less able to communicate with teachers and help with homework
- Pupils having less chance of gaining the grades to secure entry to university, if the school must deal with a greater number of pupils with more complex needs.
- Students are less likely to gain other valuable life skills in extracurricular activities such as sports and competitions. This reduces their chances to impress employers.
- Students in the most deprived areas experience strong peer group pressure to join gangs and drop out of school.
A school鈥檚 population reflects its catchment area and the economic status of those who live there. Students from schools in more affluent areas where parents are well educated and have the skills and resources to motivate their children, tend to achieve better exam results. Statistics show that white and Asian Americans consistently outperform black and Hispanic Americans in terms of educational attainment.