A new national study from WalletHub ranks New York 45th out of 50 states for racial equality in education, highlighting persistent gaps in graduation rates, college attainment, and test scores between white and Black students.
The report, released June 3, compares six key metrics to measure disparities, including high school and college graduation rates, standardized testing, and SAT scores. New York ranks near the bottom in several categories—most notably 47th for the share of Black adults with a bachelor’s degree and 44th for high school completion.
Key metrics for New York’s ranking
- Overall rank: 45th out of 50
- High school degree gap: 44th
- Bachelor’s degree gap: 47th
- Standardized test score gap: 16th
- Mean SAT score gap: 40th
- High school graduation rate gap: 32nd
These rankings place New York behind most of the nation, despite the state’s overall investment in public education. The findings support broader research showing that predominantly white school districts receive $23 billion more annually than non-white districts across the U.S.
Experts cite funding disparities, systemic barriers
Rodney D. Coates, a professor at Miami University, said long-standing systemic issues continue to drive inequality in educational outcomes:
“All of our nation’s woes and problems—from poverty to racism—have their roots in ignorance. Differential investments based on race, class, and geography perpetuate inequities. Educational opportunity and a commitment to excellence are the only lasting solutions.”
Coates also pointed to the impact of redlining and the racial wealth gap, which continues to affect educational resources in Black and Latino communities due to lower property values and disinvestment.
Pandemic fallout widened the gaps
Dr. Tyrone C. Howard, Director at UCLA’s Pritzker Center, noted that inequalities have grown worse in recent years:
“We will be dealing with the effects of the pandemic for years. Regression in math and reading performance results for Black and Brown students in particular are concerning.”
Howard advocates for increased support in low-performing and low-income schools, including more counselors, mental health resources, and academic assistance to counteract chronic absenteeism and achievement gaps.
What this means for New York
Despite its diverse population and significant education budget, New York continues to struggle with equitable outcomes. The WalletHub report suggests a pressing need for reform, including:
- More equitable distribution of state education funds
- Targeted support for underserved school districts
- Investments in teacher training, technology, and counseling services
- Greater accountability for outcomes tied to racial equity
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