Someone should get concerned about minority enrollment and fast.

The American Council on Education released a national study Monday that stated there are fewer blacks and hispanics going to college and fewer yet who are graduating from college.

This isn’t the story at NIU, we’re proud to say, where it’s increasing.

Particularly, the report states that fewer black men are going to college, even though more of this group are finishing high school than before. Specifically, 46.5 percent of black men were attending college in 1976, but the rate plummeted to 29.5 percent by 1988.

Also, between 1976 and 1988, the number of hispanics attending college dropped 15 percent from 50.4 percent to 35.3 percent.

These are scary figures to say the least. But, surprisingly, the solution seems painfully obvious.

Back in the 1960s and 70s, wide usage of student aid programs helped get more minority students enrolled in college. The study said some structural changes in these programs now could have a “revitalizing effect” on the college entrance rates of these minority groups.

The solution seems simple enough if you are willing have a few meetings and do a little paperwork. When everyone complains that minority enrollment is dropping, colleges should look to their financial aid programs immediately. Maybe an update of the program is all that is needed.