To the Editor:
In response to a series of articles in the national press about the decline of Black student enrollment at American universities, it is essential to recognize the historic and ongoing role that higher education plays in driving economic prosperity and social mobility in the United States. American universities have for decades provided pathways to success for countless students, serving as critical engines of opportunity.
Part of the issue today is that many students are coming from underfunded high schools that offer fewer educational opportunities and resources. A recent study from The Century Foundation highlights how school segregation — exacerbated by the 1974 Milliken v. Bradley decision — has worsened these disparities, with many students of color confined to under-resourced schools. This disparity limits the ability to compete for admission at top universities and, in turn, restricts the access to the economic mobility that higher education traditionally provides. Fixing this problem will require a focused national effort to address the systemic inequalities within K-12 education, ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to prepare for college success.
At the same time, we are also seeing fewer students filling out the FAFSA, a critical tool for accessing financial aid. This trend is deeply concerning because students who do not complete the FAFSA miss out on essential funding that could make higher education affordable for them. Simplifying the FAFSA process and raising awareness of its importance must be part of the solution if we want to ensure that financial barriers do not further exacerbate the inequality in access to higher education.
Looking forward, the focus must be on solutions that strengthen access and equity in higher education. This means addressing systemic issues within public schools, ensuring that financial aid is accessible and that students are aware of their opportunities, and continuing to create pathways for underrepresented students to succeed. American universities can still be unparalleled in their ability to drive economic mobility, but it will require a renewed commitment to these goals.
Marvin Krislov
President
Pace University
