Article

Metro and Non-Metro Variation in Postsecondary Enrollment: The Role of Race, Ethnicity, and Residential Location in Texas

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Abstract

This study used a spatial approach to explore metropolitan and nonmetropolitan variation of college enrollment at the interplay of place and race within the state of Texas. Analyzing Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS-USA) data and using population proportions as well as regression methods, we pay particular attention to the racial/ethnic diversity in non-metro (i.e., rural) areas and its relationship with college enrollment. We find geography is a mediating factor in the college enrollment racial/ethnic gaps for rural Texans, but there are considerable regional disparities. These disparities show diverse trends among rural regions where large proportions of Latinxs reside. This indicates a need for more research to explore geographic post-secondary opportunity and college access practices and policy with the racial/ethnic diversity of place in mind, especially regarding rural communities of Color. 

The data and code for the analysis can be found here on a GitHub repository. 

Keywords: rural, college access, spatial equity

How to Cite:

Sansone, V. A., Sparks, C. S. & Cano-McCutcheon, P., (2020) “Metro and Non-Metro Variation in Postsecondary Enrollment: The Role of Race, Ethnicity, and Residential Location in Texas”, Journal of Critical Thought and Praxis 9(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/jctp.11013