Higher education is associated with greater earnings and standard of living. College graduates earn more money, live longer and healthier lives, and are more engaged citizens.

In 2020, 16% of white students admitted to Westchester County institutions of higher education enrolled in those institutions, followed by 15% of Hispanic students, 13% of African American students, and 9% of Asian students. These enrollment rates are similar to 2013 rates; however, the number of enrolled Hispanic students has increased 104% since 2013 indicating an increasingly diverse applicant pool and student body.

Westchester had lower enrollment rates among all races and ethnicities than Rockland County, where 41% of white students, 39% of Asian students, 25% of African American students, and 23% of Hispanic students admitted to Rockland County higher education institutions subsequently enrolled. Westchester's enrollment rates among white, Hispanic, and African American students were higher than in Nassau County (13%, 11% and 9%, respectively).

Factors contributing to disparities in enrollment rates include concerns about paying for college, lack of knowledge about and access to financial aid, and concerns about loan debt. Even after accounting for financial aid received, paying for the remaining cost of college takes increasingly large proportions of household income for families and students with low-incomes. Family commitments, first-generation student status, and lack of support systems can also play a role.

This data does not tell us where students residing in Westchester (or any other county) are admitted or enrolled in college, since it is only available grouped by institutions within counties. Enrollment rates could be low for any group if most of the students in that group choose to attend institutions outside Westchester (or any other county). The data reflects students enrolled for the first time on a part- or full-time basis.