Black Students Are the Fastest Growing Group of College Applicants

January 23, 2026

A new Common Application report reveals that Black and African American students showed the fastest growth in college applications for fall 2025, with an 11% increase over the previous year, despite challenges facing higher education including the Supreme Court's elimination of affirmative action and rising tuition costs. Students identifying as multiracial showed the second-highest growth at 8%, while Asian and Latino applications each rose 5%, continuing a trend that demonstrates students of color are not being deterred from applying to college. The Southwest region experienced the strongest application growth, with Mississippi leading all states at 31% increase, though international applications declined 7%, particularly from Asia and Africa.

Who is affected

Black or African American students applying to college
Students identifying as two or more races
Asian students
Latino students
Students of color overall
International students (negatively affected, with 7% decline)
Students from Asia and Africa (experiencing significant application declines of 9% and 14% respectively)
Students in the Southwest region, particularly Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi
Higher education institutions, especially selective colleges

What action is being taken

Black and African American students are applying to college at an 11% increased rate
Students identifying as two or more races are submitting applications at 8% higher rates
Asian and Latino students are applying at 5% increased rates each
The Common Application is tracking and reporting on application trends
Students are continuing to pursue college despite the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling

Why it matters

A college degree has substantial economic value, with Black college graduates earning approximately $1 million more over their lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma. The continued increase in applications from students of color, particularly the 11% surge among Black students, demonstrates resilience in the face of significant obstacles including the elimination of affirmative action and rising tuition costs. These trends challenge assumptions that the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling would create a "chilling effect" that would discourage students of color from applying to college, especially selective institutions, and shows that students of color continue to see higher education as valuable despite political and cultural challenges facing the sector.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint