Affirmative Action, Minority Student Access to College, and College Retention: What Does the Future Hold?

Affirmative action programs seek to address admissions at selective, predominately White institutions, but do not consider the role minority-serving institutions play in providing access to higher education. Affirmative action programs also do not address low minority student retention rates at selective institutions. This study discusses the recent challenges to affirmative action and the alternative policies states have used to diversify their college campuses, and describes the role minority-serving institutions and financial aid administrators may play in providing access to higher education for underrepresented groups. Given the threats to affirmative action by several federal court rulings and voter initiatives, minority-serving institutions and financial aid administrators may need to play a greater role in providing educational opportunities for students of color in the years ahead