For the first time, the percentage of Hispanic high school graduates who go on to attend college is higher than that of their white counterparts.

A full 69 percent of Hispanic high school students who graduated in 2012 began college classes in the fall of that year, according to a new study from the Pew Research Hispanic Center. That's up 20 percent since 2000, and it bests the rate of college attendance by white 2012 high school graduates by 2 percent.

 High school dropout rates among Hispanic students have dropped correspondingly. In 2000, 28 percent of young Hispanics hadn't completed high school, but by 2011, that had dropped to 14 percent.

Still, Hispanics trail whites in other educational metrics. Only 56 percent of Latino students attend a four-year college, compared to 72 percent of whites, and Latinos attend college that are less selective and easier to get into. They are also more likely to be enrolled part-time, which also contributed to their lower graduation rates.

The trend is likely to continue, as communities and education advocacy groups push for more inclusive policies like bilingual education programs and early childhood education, which fosters a long-lasting affinity for education. Currently, even undocumented students are guaranteed up to a high school education, though some conservative lawmakers are hoping to change that situation.

Ironically, the poor economy may be one of the main catalysts for the increase in Hispanic college students. With fewer job opportunities available for low-skilled workers armed with only a high school diploma, higher education becomes a more attractive option, despite the monetary cost.