Student Debt and Racial Equity

Explore Racial Disparities in the Student debt Crisis

To appreciate the racial wealth gap, it is first important to understand the disparity in important federal policies that helped create the current gaps in college degree attainment. Undoubtedly, higher education policy is among the key areas where differences were stark.  From the first major policy, the establishment of land grant colleges in 1862 through today, key provisions created substantial gaps in access and support that gave whites a substantial head start over Blacks in acquiring higher education.  It is important to understand that before diving into the racial disparate effect of policy changes today.

This paper from William Spriggs, chief economist to the AFL-CIO, further explores federal and state policies and their impact on student debt and racial equity.