Final answer:
Economic disadvantage and systemic racism affecting African Americans, including history, under-resourced schools, and segregation, are factors that impede their pursuit of higher education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another factor that affects African Americans' ability to pursue higher education is economic disadvantage linked to a long history of systemic racism and discrimination. Many Black Americans and their families have faced hurdles such as segregation and under-resourced schools, influencing educational attainment. While direct discriminatory labor practices are legally abolished, structural disadvantages and the legacy of such discrimination continue to impact African American communities, contributing to why achieving higher education may remain out of reach for many.
The historical context of slavery, post-slavery segregation, and the ongoing social and economic consequences play significant roles in this regard. Educational barriers have been compounded by redlining and discriminatory housing practices, which have resulted in predominantly Black neighborhoods often having lesser-funded education systems and subsequently lower educational attainment when compared to their White counterparts.