A new report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce reveals a stark reality: racial disparities in graduate degree attainment persist in the United States. The report, titled “The Graduate Degree Gap: Race, Class, and Opportunity,” paints a picture of a system that continues to disadvantage Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous Americans in accessing higher education.

The report highlights the significant gap between the percentage of White Americans holding graduate degrees compared to their counterparts from underrepresented racial groups. While 13% of Whites hold a master’s or doctorate degree, only 8% of Black Americans, 7% of Hispanic Americans, and 5% of Indigenous Americans have achieved the same level of education.

This disparity is not solely due to a lack of academic aptitude. The report points to systemic barriers, such as limited access to quality education, socioeconomic factors, and persistent racial discrimination, which contribute to the gap. Factors like college affordability, lack of financial aid, and underrepresentation in STEM fields are cited as key contributors to the disparity.

The report emphasizes the importance of addressing these systemic barriers to create a more equitable system. It calls for policies that promote affordability, increase access to financial aid, and address implicit bias in the education system. By investing in programs that support underrepresented students, provide mentorship, and promote diversity in higher education, the report argues, we can begin to bridge the graduate degree gap and create a more equitable future for all.