CPG, Healthcare, Insurance, Multicultural Marketing, Nonprofit, Total Market, Travel and Leisure | Apr 24, 13
Education Statistics of Hispanics and African Americans Infographic
By Martha C. Rivera, Director, Strategy and Insights and Beata Luczywek, Junior Account Executive
Education Gains Among Hispanic and African American Students
Education is a growing trend among multicultural markets. Today, a significantly greater portion of Hispanics and African Americans has a high school diploma than 12 years ago. Dropout rates from 2000 to 2012 have decreased significantly for all minority groups: Hispanics, Blacks and Asians. Furthermore, Hispanics are by far the largest minority group on college campuses 1 and these trends keep growing. The College Board predicts that from 2012 to 2019, the number of White college students will increase by 5%, while the number of Hispanic college students will increase by 27% 2. These minority groups’ gains in educational attainment indicate a need for institutions, such as schools and other businesses that offer educational goods and services, to establish programs specifically for these groups.
Why Educational Attainment Creates Market Opportunity
“The expanding success of multicultural groups in education opens opportunities for many organizations,” upholds George. L San Jose, president and chief creative officer at San Jose Consulting. “The organizations can expand their services to multicultural members of their community by playing a vital role in making dreams come true, while, at the same time, experiencing significant business growth – a mutually beneficial relationship.”
- Growing educational attainment changes consumer needs and expectations.
- Schools and education-related businesses can use demographic insight to design more relevant programs and services.
- Organizations serving diverse communities benefit from understanding cultural and communication differences alongside the statistics.
That same principle underlies our current Consumer Insights and Communications work.
How to Use Education Trends in Market Planning
| Indicator | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| High school completion | Signals changes in workforce participation and future earning potential. |
| College enrollment | Can affect demand for education, technology, financial services and housing. |
| Field of study and career pathways | Helps organizations anticipate emerging professional and category needs. |
| Geography | Shows where educational growth may translate into local market opportunity. |
San Jose Consulting’s Market Return on Investment and Business Case Development services help connect demographic shifts to market sizing and growth decisions.
Historical Context and FAQs
The education statistics and projections in this infographic reflect the period when it was originally published and should not be treated as current 2026 figures.
What is the lasting lesson?
Educational attainment can change earning potential, technology use, household formation and demand across many categories.
Should marketers rely on population growth alone?
No. Education, income, geography and category behavior provide a more complete view of market opportunity.
