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

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.