American Indians and Alaska Natives and Chinese Ethnic Minorities: Demographics and Higher Education

Even though the overall populations of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) in the United States and Chinese Ethnic Minorities (CEMs) have increased in past decades, they are still much smaller than the majority groups. However, they are significant components of the two populations, while being essential for the cultural diversity in each country. AIANs and CEMs present similar but different demographic characters in the respective countries. While promoting education for AIANs and CEMs has been promised for many years by the United States and Chinese governments, both groups are underrepresented in their educational systems, especially at the postsecondary level. This chapter presents the demographic status and higher education access and attainments of AIANs and CEMs.