Statistics

Why is a Latino Higher Education Agenda Needed?

Changing Demographics:

1) Latinos are the largest minority in this country and are growing at a rate of 1.1 million a year.
2) In 2004, the Latino total population was 40.4 million representing an increase of 14%
3) In 2006, Latinos represented 15% of total US population.
4) It is estimated, by the year 2010 Latinos will account for 18% of the total US population.
5) Actual growth patterns are surpassing numerical and statistical projections.
6) Latino population growth in IL surpassed the nation’s growth of the Latino population by 11%.
7) Illinois ranks 5th in the nation for Latino population.
8) The City of Chicago ranks among the top ten cities in the U.S. with the largest Latino concentration, with Latinos representing 26% of the city’s population.

Educational Attainment:

1) By 2020 Latino students will represent 24% of the 5-19 year old population.
2) Latinos are well below the rest of the population.
3) In 2006, only 60% of Latino adults 25 and older in Illinois graduated from high school.
4) The Latino population is the most underrepresented diverse group of all college degree holders.
5) Latinos are also more likely to attend community colleges versus four-year colleges.
6) In 2006, only 11% of Latinos competed a bachelors degree or higher.
7) Latinos are much less likely to finish their undergraduate program.
8) Less than 3% of all full-time faculty are Latino.
9) In 2006, Latinos received only 3.5% of all doctorates awarded.