This study uses an equity comparison framework to contextualize historical trends in enrollment and first-to-second year enrollment persistence among Washington state high school graduates. Analysis of historical trends demonstrates a clear relationship between high school achievement, postsecondary enrollment, and persistence. However, comparisons between racial and ethnic groups highlight gaps among these groups, despite similar levels of academic achievement.
Additionally, this research shows:
- The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted direct postsecondary enrollment rates regardless of high school GPA level.
- Direct postsecondary enrollment rates are gradually recovering since the COVID-19 outbreak but are still below pre-COVID-19 levels.
- Direct postsecondary enrollment recovery has been uneven, with widening gaps among racial and ethnic groups post COVID-19.
- Persistence rates among students with high academic achievement were largely unimpacted by COVID-19.
- Differences in persistence rates narrowed among racial and ethnic groups during the post-COVID-19 period.
- Persistence rates have nearly recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels across most racial and ethnic groups.
Suggested Citation:
Borda, M. (2026). Widening Postsecondary Gaps Post COVID-19. Washington Office of Financial Management, Forecasting and Research, Education Research and Data Center (ERDC). https://erdc.wa.gov/publications-and-reports/widening-postsecondary-gaps-post-covid-19
