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UCLA LPPI Data Brief Examines Latina Education Attainment in the U.S.

A new data brief presents current information on the educational attainment of Latinas, focusing on those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, in the United States. The data brief, titled “Facts about Latina Educational Attainment in the United States,” uses data from the Latino Data Hub, which draws from the 2021 pooled 5-year American Community Survey (ACS).

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Contact: lppipress@luskin.ucla.edu

UCLA LPPI Data Brief Examines Latina Education Attainment in the U.S.

The new analysis shows that Latinas have made significant progress in obtaining Bachelor’s degrees or higher, but still face disparities and barriers

LOS ANGELES (February 29, 2024) –  The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute Latino Data Hub released a new data brief that presents current information on the educational attainment of Latinas, focusing on those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, in the United States. The data brief, titled “Facts about Latina Educational Attainment in the United States,” uses data from the Latino Data Hub, which draws from the 2021 pooled 5-year American Community Survey (ACS).

The brief reveals a promising trend: more Latinas are earning a bachelor’s degree or higher, rising from nearly 1 million in 2000 to a substantial 3.5 million in 2021. The proportion of Latina adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher almost quadrupled from 5.4% in 2000 to 20% in 2021. However, despite these advancements, the study uncovers a concerning disparity: Latinas with a bachelor’s degree or higher tend to receive lower wages compared to their Latino and white male counterparts. 

“While we found encouraging trends, Latina educational attainment still lags behind the overall U.S. population. Furthermore, there are wide disparities within the Latina community by age, Latino descent group, citizenship status, veteran status, and English proficiency,” said co-author and UCLA LPPI fellow Citlali Tejeda. “As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, we must highlight these disparities and work towards creating a more equitable educational landscape.”

Other key findings include: 

  • Latinas are more likely to have a bachelor’s degree or higher than Latino males. This is true among almost all age groups, Latino descent groups, nativity and citizenship statuses, veteran statuses, and English proficiency levels. 
  • Younger generations of Latinas are obtaining bachelor’s degrees at higher rates than previous generations. 
  • Latinas of South American descent are the most likely among Latino descent groups to have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, whereas Latinas of Honduran, Salvadoran, and Guatemalan descent are the least likely. These disparities underscore the need to comprehend their historical and systemic origins and offer more targeted assistance in overcoming educational barriers.
  • 35% of Latina veterans completed a four-year college degree compared to 20% of non-veteran Latinas. 
  • Latinas with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn a median hourly wage of $26, lower than most other college-educated workers, regardless of race and sex.

Co-author Misael Galdámez, senior research analyst at UCLA LPPI, added, “We hope that this data brief will inform and inspire policymakers, educators, and advocates to create more equitable, inclusive policies that support the success and empowerment of Latinas across the nation.” 

Read the full data brief here. 

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About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute:

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is a non-partisan research institute that seeks to inform, engage, and empower Latinos through innovative research and policy analysis. LPPI aims to promote equitable and inclusive policies that address the needs of the Latino community and advance social justice. latino.ucla.edu.