Beliefs and Behaviors: Net Racial Differences in College Enrollment

• In Event: Postsecondary Transitions: College and Career Pathways

Abstract

Although black high school graduates are less likely to enroll in college than their white counterparts overall, they are more likely to enroll when socioeconomic background and academic ability are held constant. Using Morgan’s (2005) preparatory commitment model of educational attainment with the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 dataset, I find this is due in part to black/white differences in college preparatory behaviors. Black students are more likely to utilize resources regarding college entry information, take the SAT or ACT, and apply to college than white students of similar academic preparation, expectations, and background, leading to higher enrollment rates. I also find that part of this “net black advantage” is due to the high enrollment of black students in HBCUs.

Author

• Mary Kate Blake, University of Notre Dame