The State of Higher Education for Latinx Californians 2026
Latinx Student Success Is California’s Success
A new report commissioned by the Campaign for College Opportunity and the Latino Working Class Project (LWCP) finds meaningful progress for Latinx students alongside persistent barriers to college access, degree attainment, and economic mobility. With nearly 15 million Latinx residents, California cannot reach its 70% postsecondary attainment goal or meet workforce needs without improving these outcomes.
The State of Higher Education for Latinx Californians, the final report in the Campaign’s three-part 2026 series, examines the pathway from high school preparation through college completion and employment.California has made important progress in expanding higher education opportunity for Latinx students. But persistent inequities across college preparation, access, transfer, completion, and post-college outcomes continue to stand between too many students and the economic opportunities a degree can provide.
The full report will be released soon!
About the Campaign for College Opportunity
The Campaign for College Opportunity is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition working to advance racial and economic justice and build a more equitable, affordable, and workforce-connected higher education system.
About the Latino Working Class Project
The Latino Working Class Project is a nonpartisan initiative dedicated to understanding, elevating, and advancing the priorities of California’s Latino working-class communities. Through research, polling, regional convenings, coalition building, and public policy development, LWCP works to ensure their voices and lived experiences help shape California’s economic future. It brings together leaders across sectors to develop practical solutions that expand economic opportunity and upward mobility.
Learn more at latinoworkingclass.com Follow LWCP on LinkedIn, Instagram (@latinoworkingclassproject), and X (@LatinosWorking)
The Campaign for College Opportunity gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Latino Working Class Project who made this report possible. Their partnership strengthens our ability to produce rigorous research, elevate student voices, and advance equitable higher education policy throughout California.