The State of Higher Education
The State of Higher Education
California Report Series
Research that informs policy and expands opportunity.
California’s future depends on ensuring every student has equitable access to higher education and the opportunity to succeed. The State of Higher Education California Report Series examines college access, affordability, persistence, completion, and workforce outcomes across California’s diverse communities, providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations to help shape a stronger, more equitable higher education system.
About the Series
The State of Higher Education California Report Series provides a comprehensive look at educational outcomes across California’s diverse communities.
Each report examines the experiences of specific student populations, highlighting both progress and persistent disparities while offering actionable policy recommendations that can improve educational opportunity and student success.
Together, these reports help policymakers, higher education leaders, advocates, researchers, and community organizations better understand where California is making progress and where additional action is needed.
Explore the 2026 Reports
State of Higher Education for Black Californians
Released February 2026
The 2026 State of Higher Education for Black Californians report draws on data from the Golden Returns and California Mobility Index developed by the College Futures Foundation to examine return on investment for Black college graduates. By analyzing graduate wages and the time it takes to recoup the cost of a college degree, the report offers a clearer picture of how higher education can—and must—deliver on its promise of economic mobility.
State of Higher Education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Californians
Released May 2026
Explores educational outcomes across AANHPI communities through disaggregated data, identifying important differences in access, completion, and workforce outcomes while advancing recommendations that better serve California’s diverse populations.
State of Higher Education for Latinx Californians
Coming September 2026
The next report in the series will examine educational outcomes for Latinx Californians and explore opportunities to strengthen college access, affordability, persistence, completion, and economic mobility.
Why This Research Matters
Strong policy begins with strong data.
California’s higher education system serves one of the most diverse student populations in the nation. Looking only at statewide averages can obscure important differences in educational experiences and outcomes across communities.
The State of Higher Education California Report Series helps illuminate those differences through research that supports informed decision-making and advances policies that expand opportunity for all Californians.
Using the Research
Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, researcher, journalist, student advocate, or community leader, these reports are designed to support evidence-based conversations about California’s higher education future.
Use the reports to:
- Inform policy decisions
- Support advocacy efforts
- Guide institutional planning
- Understand statewide trends
- Explore community-specific data
- Advance equitable student success
Stay Connected
Don’t miss future reports in the series. Receive research releases, policy updates, and opportunities to engage with the Campaign’s work.