The Carr Report: Black men droppin’ out of college — Why we need to unlearn this!

December 10, 2025

Black men represent only 4. 6% of U.S. college students, with enrollment at historically Black colleges and universities declining roughly 25% since 2010, creating what the author describes as an educational and economic crisis. The low college completion rate—only 40% of Black men finish their bachelor's degrees within six years—leaves many with student debt but no credential, resulting in approximately one million dollars less in lifetime earnings compared to degree holders.

Who is affected

Black men in higher education (currently 4.6% of all college students)
Black male students at HBCUs (experiencing 25% enrollment decline since 2010)
The 60% of Black men who start but don't complete bachelor's degrees within six years
Black families and households experiencing economic fragility
Black communities losing potential homeowners, investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, and leaders
Future generations inheriting limited wealth and opportunities
Industries like engineering, tech, finance, medicine, and law seeking diverse talent

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The author provides recommendations and calls to action but does not describe programs, initiatives, or interventions currently being implemented.

Why it matters

The declining educational attainment of Black men represents a compounding economic crisis that extends far beyond individual paychecks. A bachelor's degree holder earns roughly 65% more than someone with only a high school diploma—translating to approximately one million dollars over a lifetime—which funds homeownership, business creation, debt elimination, retirement investment, and generational wealth transfer. When Black men exit the educational pipeline without degrees or certifications, they often carry student loan debt without credentials, creating the worst possible financial combination. This pattern weakens Black wealth creation, reduces career mobility, threatens family stability, shrinks the Black talent pipeline in high-paying industries, and increases economic vulnerability across entire communities. The issue perpetuates generational poverty cycles, as economic fragility becomes normalized and passed down, preventing Black communities from building the assets, ownership, and leadership necessary for long-term prosperity and power.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle