Six years from now the number of high school graduates is expected to drop nationwide, but administrators say the decline will not affect TCU admissions.

Thankfully, this alarming national trend will mean nothing for Texas. And, Ray Brown, dean of admissions, believes the key to maintaining a healthy admissions rate is to reach the Hispanic population.

Good for TCU.

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education reported that the number of graduates in the South and West will continue to increase, and more Hispanics are expected to received their high school diplomas than any other ethnic group in 2011.

So TCU’s targeting the Hispanic population is a wise decision.

Brown said many Hispanic students are first-generation collegians and/or first-generation U.S. citizens. And many face financial challenges, as well, he said.

However, just because high school graduation numbers are expected to remain constant in the South, that doesn’t mean college admissions would continue to rise.

With the cost of tuition on the rise, it seems that the opportunities for higher education would be limited. Private universities’ tuition rates are a burden on the low-income students.

However, TCU, along with other universities, is doing its part to combat financial challenges and offer resources to help low-income students receive an education.

Programs such as Upward Bound offer federal funds for tutoring and resources for first-generation college students or those from low-income families. It’s admirable that TCU is one of the universities that is participating in the program.

In addition to helping students who have few options receive a college education, TCU is doing its part to increase diversity.

The university has found a creative way to avoid a tragic national trend, while increasing ethnic and economic diversity on campus.