The ethnicity of a person and the likelihood they will attend college has always gone hand-in-hand. Caucasians, for example, college attendance numbers are much higher than Hispanics or African-Americans. Primarily, this relates to the income level of the households that these children come from, but it is not the only factor. With the economic downturn, the number of college attendees are down and there is even more of a significant decrease in the numbers for minorities.

Hispanics take the Hardest Hit

Of all the minority groups, it is the group of Hispanics that seem to be struggling the most to make it through college these days. While the numbers are up on the number of Hispanics that are attending college, the number of Hispanics that earn their degree and graduate from college is decreasing. Since this is such a growing issue, President Barrack Obama, along with college educators, has set a goal to increase the number of Hispanic college graduates by 2020.

According to the College Board, Hispanics between the age of 25 and 34 have earned at least an associate’s degree or higher, as of 2009. While this is a nationwide figure, states such as Florida that have one of the largest Hispanic populations in the country, has a 29 percent amount of Hispanic students between the ages of 25 and 34 that hold at least an associate’s degree or higher, as of 2009.

African-Americans Struggle Too

The College Board estimates that only 29 percent of African-Americans nationwide earn an associate’s degree or higher, as well. While there are not state specifics on African-American graduates, it seems as if the two primary minorities in the country are earning college degrees at the same rate.

Perspective

Twenty-nine percent may seem like a decent college graduation rate. After all, it is almost one-third of the population of the ethnic group. When you compare the 29 percent figure to the 40 percent of Caucasians that graduate from college with at least an associate’s degree or higher, you can easily identify the disparity in the numbers.

At Michigan State University, approximately 19 percent of Hispanics and African-Americans comprise the student population. The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, primarily known as Proposition 2, was an initiative the state of Michigan put into place to help attract and move more minority students to graduation in its state. Proposition 2 was introduced in 2006 and by 2011, the difference is starting to become noticeable.

Unfortunately, the affects of the proposition have been negative instead of positive. At Michigan State University, the African-American student enrollment fell in 2007 by 3.3 percent. While the proposition has not increased the enrollment numbers and graduation figures for Hispanics, the number of Hispanic students at Michigan State University has remained the same.

Higher education numbers show an even worse scenario. At the University of Michigan, the enrollment numbers for African-Americans have fallen 50 percent, according to the Office of the Registrar. The number of Hispanics at the university enrolled for their law degree slipped from 65 students to 47 students.

For minorities, the financial struggle to find the money they need to go to college has always existed. Now, not only are minority groups, such as Hispanics and African-Americans struggling to find the money to start and finish college, but so are Caucasians. Unemployment rates are high. Access to loans and other forms of funding are low. The combination of all of these factors is affecting all ethnic groups looking to obtain a college education.

For minority groups that have always struggled though, the struggle just keeps getting worse. Even with special programs in place to try to help minorities get into and finish college, most programs are falling short and not making the grade.

The economy, obviously, has everything to do with this increase, in that pubic funding for colleges is constantly being cut at both the state and federal levels. This means schools have to raise tuition, which dips directly into the pockets of students.

It’s a vicious cycle in which the only ways out are scholarship, financial aid, or work. Unfortunately, if you’re one of those going back to school to make a career change, you probably won’t qualify for scholarships, and your financial aid options are limited. That leaves work. So if you’re in the situation where you have to use your current 40-hour-a-week job to finance an education that will eventually lead a new career, then I strongly urge you to consider these five college-versus-career tips so you don’t spontaneously combust before graduating.

1) Don’t Overload

Because you’re burning the candle at both ends (by working full time and going to school) your tendency is to speed things along in terms of getting through school. This can inspire you to take too many classes all at once, which will most likely lead to burn-out (and doesn’t leave much time to do homework).

The solution? Be patient. This upcoming spring semester, for example, sign up for only one class IF you’re working full time. A good rule of thumb is my very own 10/4 to 40/1 rule. For every 10 hours of work per week you take one less class, starting with working 10 hours while taking four classes. If you work 20 hours per week, take three classes; work 30 hours, take two classes; work 40 hours, take one class.

2) Limit Your Volunteering and Extra Activities

This means not only giving up your book club, but also don’t volunteer for too many extra projects and duties at work (even the fun ones, like planning the holiday party). Sometimes, of course, you have no choice, as your boss will volunteer your services for you. But even then, don’t be afraid to talk to your boss and let him/her know that you’ve enrolled in school, and that your extra time will be limited.

It’s up to you, however, how much you want to share with your boss and coworkers about your future career plans and why you’re going back to school. If it’s to get the heck out of your current job you may want to keep that little nugget of information to yourself.

3) Rethink Your Commute

Carpools are great, and I highly encourage them. However, if you have to be at school after work by a certain time, then DON’T sign up to drive in a company carpool – or at least limit your participation so that your carpool doesn’t depend on you on the days you have school. Nothing gets people more riled up than being stranded on a rainy street corner when they were expecting a ride home.

4) Plan Vacations Accordingly

Just like when you were in college the first time (or high school) life will be so much easier if you plan your vacations during school breaks; particularly summer, Christmas, and spring break. If you have kids this won’t be a problem because their schedules already run your life.

However, if you don’t have kids (or they’re grown and out of the house), friends and even your spouse may not be so quick to want to travel with the rest of the world. For example, Hawaii in October is less crowded than Hawaii in July. Just be firm and explain that because of school you’re now homebound fall through spring semester (except during the breaks). Eventually, they’ll get the idea that you’re serious about your education and will be supportive.

5) Take Online College

Of course many of these issues can be completely circumvented just by enrolling in online college. Most universities now have online versions of their degree programs, or you can find good schools online that cater exclusively to distance learning. In either case, the online degrees are accredited, just as accepted by employers as degrees from brick and mortar schools, plus you have the added luxury of attending class from the comfort of…where you happen to be. This means, for example, that you don’t have to wait for spring break to go on vacation (although, keep in mind it takes A LOT of discipline to attend online class when you’re on a raucous spring break vacation), you can keep your place in the carpool, and you don’t have to stress over showing up for class on time on those occasions you have to work late or pick up your kids.

You still, however, need to limit your class load and extra activities as online college is not a cakewalk. Just because the classes are online doesn’t mean they’re easier.

The irony is the worse the economy gets the more people go back to college to prepare for new careers. You’d think the increased enrollment would offset the budget cuts, however, it doesn’t. In many cases bigger enrollment simply increases the financial burden on the college – unless the school keeps raising tuition. The obvious solution is to work while going to school, however, that doesn’t mean you have to get worked up (and stressed out) in the process.

For example, spring enrollment at the University of Texas (UT) at Arlington has hit an all-time high, according to the school’s website.

Officials said that the new record could be attributed to improved recruitment and retention of students as well as the expansion of online degree programs. They added that spring semester enrollment is traditionally lower than that of the fall. But, the school’s Colleges of Nursing as well as Education and Health Professions have helped the school maintain its high numbers.

“More students and families are aware of UT Arlington’s reputation as a comprehensive university with a strong research program, a vibrant campus life and an exceptional education at a reasonable price,” James Spaniolo, president of the school, quoted on the website. “We remain committed to improving the quality of our academic programs, both in traditional classroom settings and through an array of online courses designed to deliver education where people live and work.”

Officials noted that enrollment in nursing programs currently stands at more than 6,600 students, which is an increase of 1,600 learners from last fall.

Furthermore, the College of Education and Health professions now enrolls 3,700 students, which is up from 3,300 from the fall semester.

Online courses attributed to school success in enrollment

Likewise, Calhoun Community College recently announced that it has reached a record-high in enrollment for the spring semester, The Athens News-Courier reports.

Officials told the news source that student enrollment has increased 7.5 percent in the since last year. The school now has nearly 12,000 individuals taking classes at their institution.

One of the biggest increases comes from the school’s distance education program, which currently enrolls 1,145 students in online courses. Meanwhile, 5,463 individuals are taking courses at the Decatur campus, while another 4,528 are at the Huntsville Cummings Research Park campus.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to reach an increasing number of students through our academic and technology programs here at Calhoun,” Marilyn Beck, president of the school, told the news source.

According to the 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning, an estimated 30 percent of all college and university students now take at least one web-based course.

Student retention and online course help school set enrollment record

Finally, Adams State College (ASC) recorded its largest spring semester enrollment numbers in 10 years, the Alamosa News reports.

The school experienced a big increase in students taking online courses. Nearly, 648 undergraduates are enrolled in web-based degree programs, which translates to a 25 percent increase over last year.

Overall, the school’s total enrollment sits at 3,421, which represents an increase of 7.2 percent over last spring. Student retention from the fall to spring semester has grown by 4 percent over the last three years.

Officials told the news source that graduate student enrollment growth of 2.5 percent continues to be driven by online master’s programs. Masters in business administration (MBA) and counselor education are among the most sought-after postsecondary curricula at the school. The number of students in the school’s MBA program has increased by 70 percent since last year.

“I think all of these developments show that students from across Colorado and around the Southwest are now seeing the great opportunities available to them at ASC,” Michael Mumper, senior vice president for enrollment management and program development, told the news source.

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