Jan 31, 2025 Story by: Editor
The percentage of Black women attaining higher education has seen a significant rise over the past two decades. In 2023, 30.1% of Black women aged 25 and older had earned at least a bachelor’s degree, nearly double the 15.4% recorded in 2000. This growth highlights the increasing access to and pursuit of higher education among Black women.
While Black women have made notable strides in educational attainment, Black men have also experienced progress. In 2023, 23.6% of Black men in the same age group had earned at least a bachelor’s degree, rising from 13.4% in 2000. Although the increase is substantial, Black women continue to outpace Black men in earning college degrees.
This upward trend in educational achievement among Black women reflects broader efforts to expand opportunities and address barriers within higher education. Factors such as increased scholarship programs, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy for racial and gender equity in academia have contributed to this progress.
Despite these gains, disparities in wages, employment opportunities, and student loan debt remain key challenges. As more Black women achieve higher education, addressing these economic and structural barriers will be essential to ensuring that their academic success translates into long-term financial and professional stability. Source: Pew Research
