Key findings show that these groups incur more student loan debt, take longer to complete their degrees, and are more likely to attend for-profit institutions with fewer resources. This financial and institutional burden leads to a preference for industry jobs over academic roles, affecting the diversity of the academic workforce and the broader STEM field.
The recent white paper by RTI International and the Sloan Foundation offers a comprehensive look into the educational experiences of Black and Hispanic doctorate recipients in STEM fields. The study draws on data from three significant federal education datasets, providing a detailed analysis of the challenges these groups face in their academic journeys.
The report reveals that Black scientists, though a small percentage of PhD recipients in STEM, bear a disproportionate amount of student loan debt compared to their non-Black peers. Almost half of Black PhDs across all disciplines, and a quarter of Hispanic PhDs, have borrowed over $50,000 for their graduate education, in stark contrast to their White and Asian counterparts. This financial burden is exacerbated by the longer duration Black scientists take to complete their PhDs, with only 42 percent finishing within ten years of their bachelor’s degree, compared to about 70 percent of their Hispanic peers.
Image Source: RTI International
Furthermore, based on the report, Black and Hispanic STEM PhD recipients are more likely to earn their degrees from private for-profit institutions, which are less likely to offer paid research opportunities and teaching assistantships. These financial aid options are crucial for mitigating the cost of graduate education. Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of Black STEM PhDs obtained their degrees from for-profit colleges, a stark contrast to the 3 percent of their Asian, Hispanic, and White counterparts.
Image Source: RTI International
Additionally, Black PhDs are less likely to have studied at research-intensive (R-1) institutions, which typically provide more resources and opportunities for doctoral candidates. Over half of Black PhDs completed their studies at R-1 institutions, compared to higher percentages among their Asian, White, and Hispanic peers. Black PhD recipients were also more likely to have earned a master’s degree at a different institution before starting their doctoral program, adding to their educational expenses.
The consequences of these disparities extend beyond individual students to the broader academic and professional landscapes. Black and Hispanic STEM PhDs burdened with high debt are more inclined to choose higher-paying industry jobs over academic positions. This trend hampers efforts to diversify the academic workforce, with significant implications for future generations of scholars and for the development of STEM fields that benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences.
Image Source: RTI International
Moreover, Pew Research Center data reveals that Black and Hispanic workers remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is consistent across degree levels, with Black students especially underrepresented in fields like math, engineering, and physical sciences. Despite the growth in STEM graduates, there is little indication that diversity in STEM jobs will substantially improve in the near term, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
The RTI International and Sloan Foundation report, along with corroborating research, paints a troubling picture of systemic inequities in STEM education for Black and Hispanic PhD recipients. Addressing these disparities is crucial for the advancement of STEM fields and for ensuring equitable opportunities for all aspiring scientists.
