In September, the U.S. Census Bureau released an estimate that Hispanics, blacks, and other minority groups now make up the majority of Texans. Hispanics will continue to be the fastest growing ethnic group in Texas and by 2015, will reach 42.3 percent of the population. These projections are significant as the state continues to confront how to provide an affordable higher education.

Between 2005 and 2015, enrollment at institutions of higher education is expected to increase by over 1.3 million students based on current trends. Despite these increases, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the state is still not reaching its enrollment targets for the Hispanic population. Although, Hispanic enrollment from fall 2000 to fall 2004 increased 30.3 percent or approximately 72,000 students, this increase is still not sufficient to reach the Fall 2005 enrollment target. An average annual increase of 23,520 Hispanic students is needed or 94,080 over a four-year period. Achieving our enrollment targets for the Hispanic population is essential to state's future because the state demographer has repeatedly warned that if we do improve education achievement levels in Texas, then family incomes will decline $5,000 by 2030.

In addition, the Coordinating Board notes that the percentage of recent high school graduates who enter college is not increasing, suggesting a need to enhance efforts in this area. For instance, the availability of financial aid influences students’ decisions to enter or return to college. As the chart below shows, despite the fact that the state is not appropriating enough money for all eligible TEXAS Grant students, the increased awareness of the TEXAS Grant program has assisted Hispanic enrollment in higher education. But we have to beware the dilemma of the "College Squeeze" -- with increased demographic growth and increased enrollment comes the increased need for the state to adequately fund financial aid programs.

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