Enrollment Trends Shake Things Up in Massachusetts Colleges
In the beautiful state of Massachusetts, some big changes are happening in college admissions this year. It looks like the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court to end affirmative action is causing a noticeable ripple effect, particularly at two prominent institutions—Amherst College and Tufts University. Both schools have reported a decline in the number of Black students enrolling for the incoming freshman classes, raising eyebrows and concerns about how this could shape the future of college diversity.
Affirmative Action Turmoil
So, what’s the deal? Back in June 2023, the Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, made a huge decision to strike down race-conscious admissions. That means schools can no longer consider an applicant’s race when making admission decisions. Now, this ruling was met with mixed feelings—some celebrated it as a win for meritocracy, while others frowned, pointing out potential risks for racial diversity.
This year marks the first class to feel the impact of that ruling, and the numbers are worth paying attention to. At Amherst College, the share of Black students has dropped from 11% last year to a jaw-dropping 3% this year. That’s an eight percentage point decrease! Meanwhile, the enrollment of Hispanic students went down as well, from 12% to 8%. On a different note, white students made a noticeable leap, with their share rising from 33% to 39%, and Asian American students saw a slight increase from 18% to 20%.
Tufts University Joins the Trend
Not far away at Tufts University, the figures are similarly concerning. The percentage of Black students there plummeted from 7.3% to 4.7% for the incoming Class of 2028. White students made gains as well, moving from 46.8% to 49.3% of the incoming class. The percentage of Asian American students dipped just a bit, from 20.3% to 19.7%.
Other Institutions Feel the Heat
This pattern isn’t just a local phenomenon. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently reported a similar occurrence: a significant decrease in admissions for students from historically under-represented racial and ethnic groups. Their statistics showed that Black student enrollment fell from 15% to 5%, along with Latino and Hispanic students dropping from 16% to 11%.
Admissions Leaders Address Concerns
Taking a serious note, the dean of admissions at Amherst, Matthew L. McGann, acknowledged the situation directly. He stated that due to the Supreme Court ruling, the incoming class lacks the racial diversity seen in recent years. This is more than just numbers; it’s about creating an inclusive environment that enriches the college experience for all students.
The Bigger Picture
As students, parents, and educators sit up and take notice, many wonder what this means for the future. Will other universities follow suit, or will they find alternative ways to maintain diversity? It raises questions about the approach colleges will take to ensure their campuses reflect the variety of backgrounds and perspectives that enrich academic discussion.
We’re still waiting on data from some of the big players, like Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, which have yet to release their numbers. As the conversation continues around these changes, it becomes clear that the effects of this ruling could be felt far beyond just the walls of these elite institutions.
What’s Next?
Only time will tell how these changes will shape the landscape of college admissions moving forward. Will schools find new ways to ensure diverse student bodies, or will this be a permanent shift in how college campuses look? It’s a crucial moment for higher education in America that we all should keep an eye on, as the implications reach further than just one academic year.
