Story perspectives

U.S. Colleges: Economic Diversity Up, Racial Diversity Down

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Richard Kahlenberg of the Progressive Policy Institute notes that U.S. colleges have declining racial diversity even as economic diversity rises.
He says low-income enrollment is rising, but Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous representation is falling.
Kahlenberg says economic diversity remains crucial for America's leadership class.
The College Board discontinued a program providing admissions data, including neighborhood earnings, raising concerns about transparency and government influence.

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Story summary

Richard Kahlenberg of the Progressive Policy Institute notes that U.S. colleges have declining racial diversity even as economic diversity rises.
He says low-income enrollment is rising, but Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous representation is falling.
Kahlenberg says economic diversity remains crucial for America's leadership class.
The College Board discontinued a program providing admissions data, including neighborhood earnings, raising concerns about transparency and government influence.