A New Research Brief from SEF and the University of Alabama’s Education Policy Center.
The Southern Education Foundation (SEF) and the University of Alabama’s Education Policy Center (UA-EPC) have partnered to examine the state of higher education opportunity in the South. Our new joint brief, The Widening College Access Gap, is the first in a series of research publications that will shed light on alarming trends in Pell Grant access, Black student enrollment, and federal funding.
Key Findings from the Brief:
- Federal Pell Grant funding declined from $36 billion to $26 billion between 2011–12 and 2021–22
- In the 17 Southern states, Pell awardees dropped by 23%
- Black student enrollment is sharply declining across public institutions
- Over 500,000 students have been lost, in part, due to enrollment due to Pell cuts
The research shows that inconsistent federal Pell Grant funding and state budget cuts have played a significant role in the nearly half-million decline in Black student enrollment nationwide over the past decade, with the steepest losses in the South.
We turned to the Education Policy Center because of their deep knowledge of postsecondary education issues facing the South and our nation. — Raymond C. Pierce, President & CEO, SEF
The report urges policymakers to make Pell funding mandatory and better align state aid with student needs to close the widening access gap.
As president at Albany State University, I saw Pell cuts translate directly into enrollment losses. This is critical research that demands attention. — Dr. Art Dunning, Former President, Albany State University
What’s Next:
This is the first of four briefs and one culminating report to be released through this research partnership. Future topics will explore:
- State funding for public higher education
- Shortages of STEM graduates of color
- Recruitment and retention of faculty of color
- Historical enrollment trends across SEF states since 1970
Stay engaged. Learn from early findings. Use the data to advocate.