Study finds minority university students increasing in Nevada

LAS VEGAS - The number of minority students enrolled in and receiving degrees from Nevada colleges and universities more than doubled over the past decade, a new study found.

The number of 18- to 24-year-old minority students seeking degrees in the state increased 50 percent from 1991-92 to 2001-02, according to the American Council on Education's Minorities in Higher Education 21st Annual Status Report.

The report, released Monday, found that while more Hispanic, Asian American, black and American Indian students enrolled and earned associate and bachelor's degrees nationwide, the number of white students declined.

Bill Harvey, council vice president and co-author of the report, said the results showed more resources, creativity and innovation should be directed toward serving minority populations.

Harvey and other higher education officials said cuts in President Bush's proposed budget could hurt efforts to reach racial equity in higher education. They also praised Bush's continued funding for Pell grants, which subsidize tuition for lower-income students.

The report, based on information U.S. Census and Department of Education statistics, showed about 500,000 fewer white students enrolled in colleges and universities nationwide from 1991 to 2001.

White student enrollment at public institutions declined 7 percent nationwide, but increased 4 percent at private institutions over that span.

Minority student enrollment increased by about 1.5 million during that period.

About 40 percent of blacks age 18-24 attended college, compared with 34 percent of Hispanics and 45 percent of whites in 2001.

Blacks comprise about 7 percent of Nevada's population, and 7 percent of students in state colleges and universities. Hispanics make up about 22 percent of the population, but 13 percent of Nevada's higher education students.