National demographic trends show that most of the increase in the traditional college-age population is among racial minorities and students from low-income homes. However, studies have shown (Lumina Foundation, 2008) that these students lack adequate access to relevant and timely information about preparing for, enrolling in, and succeeding in college. The gap between the college continuation rates for all students and black students has been widening steadily from 3.7% in 1999 to 12.1% in 2007. The gap in college continuation rates between all students and Hispanic students, however, has narrowed from 20.7% in 1999 to 3.3% in 2007 (Post-secondary Education OPPORTUNITY, 191). Although national data show that college degree attainment rates are significantly disproportionate by race, enrollment in Spartanburg County colleges and universities almost exactly mirrors the racial composition of the county.

 Spartanburg County is comprised of 20% black, 76% white, and 5% Hispanic residents. College enrollment is 20% black, 70% white, and 2% Hispanic (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 7, however, enrollment by gender does not reflect the county composition as female students significantly outnumber male students.

Of academic year 2005-2006 graduates, blacks, whites, and Hispanics graduated at almost the same rate. The data indicate, therefore, that there is no racial disparity in college enrollment or graduation rates in Spartanburg County.