Ethnicity and academic success at university

Differences in academic performance at university across several ethnic groups are examined using information from the transcripts of over 3,000 students at a large urban university. Both Grade Point Average (GPA) and the discontinuation of initial areas of study are used as indicators of academic success. Our results show that self‐reported ethnic identification is a significant factor in explaining variations in university grades. Observed background factors are unable to account for the substantial differences in GPA and dropout rates between minority and majority ethnic groups. Individual GPA is the single most important determinant of dropout behaviour, with poor grades accounting for higher dropout rates among minority groups.