Who are the least likely to attend college?

Hi everyone. I heard somewhere that there's a demographic of women that are least likely to attend college. Does anyone know more about this or have any sources? Advancing education equity is a big deal for me and I'm curious. Thanks!

From research and statistics, it's seen that first-generation college students, low-income students, and students of color often face much higher barriers to college enrollment and completion than their peers. Specifically, indigenous populations, such as Native American and Alaska Native students, are often among the groups that are least likely to attend college.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provides a comprehensive look at these trends. According to recent figures, higher education enrollment rates among high school completers immediately following high school were lowest for students who were American Indian/Alaska Native (55%), followed closely by individuals identifying as Black (58%), and Hispanic (66%). For comparison, the figures were 69% for White students and 86% for Asian students.

Women, in general, are increasingly attending college at higher rates than men. However, within specific demographic groups, such as those mentioned above, women may still face substantial barriers to access.

The reasons for these disparities are complex and multifaceted, involving factors like socio-economic status, quality of prior schooling, societal values and expectations, and systemic biases. Efforts are ongoing to address these barriers and promote educational equitable access. It's essential to keep this in mind as we think about how to support all students in their pursuit of higher education.