Factors Influencing Hispanic Student Retention Within the Community College

Community colleges as a path to baccalaureate degree attainment and social mobility

“…20.5%, respectively); and (b) a smaller percentage of students who report coming from families with incomes between $24,001 and $75,000 (53.2% vs. 60.0%, respectively) and family incomes less than $24,000 (16.5% vs. 17.0%, respectively). As expected, the differences discussed here are consistent with the existing literature, which indicates that first-generation students and students from lower family social class are more likely to initiate their college career at the community college level (Cabrera et al, 2005;Cohen & Brawer, 1989Dougherty, 1987Dougherty, , 1992Lea et al, 1979;McCool, 1984;McDonough, 1997;Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991;.…”

“…The greatest differences in enrollment path among minority students, who were represented in larger percentages at four-year institutions, occurred among African American (19.9% vs. 9.9%, respectively) and Hispanic/Latino (6.6% vs. 2.0%, respectively) students. This difference runs contrary to that which was expected, given the current literature (Cabrera et al, 2005;Cohen & Brawer, 1989Dougherty, 1987Dougherty, , 1992Lea et al, 1979;McCool, 1984;McDonough, 1997;Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991;. However, this difference may be due to a few possible factors.…”

“…As such, one of the roles community colleges were charged with included promoting students' educational attainment and academically preparing underprivileged students for transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution (Cohen & Brawer, 1989). Numerous researchers have confirmed that for students of first-generation status, low family income, and/or racial or ethnic minority status; community colleges provided them with the most likely point at which to enter the higher education system (Cabrera et al, 2005;Cohen & Brawer, 1989Dougherty, 1987Dougherty, , 1992Lea et al, 1979;McCool, 1984;McDonough, 1997;Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991).…”

“…For disadvantaged populations, community colleges have traditionally represented the most likely entry point into higher education (Alfonso, 2006;Cohen & Brawer, 1989;Dougherty, 1987Dougherty, , 1992Horn et al, 2006;Lea, Sedlacek, Stewart, 1979;McCool, 1984;McDonough, 1997;Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991. These disadvantaged groups tend to come from families of low social class, be of an ethnic or racial minority, and/or represent the first in their family to attend college (Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005).…”

“…It is important to consider the effects associated with beginning one's academic career at a two-year institution instead of a four-year institution, due to the high number of underprivileged individuals of low social class, minority status, and first-generation college attendance status who begin their postsecondary education at community colleges rather than four-year institutions (Cabrera et al, 2005;Cohen & Brawer, 1989;Dougherty, 1987Dougherty, , 1992Horn et al, 2006;Lea et al, 1979;McCool, 1984;McDonough, 1997;Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991. Given that community colleges were intended to provide individuals with an alternative means by which to gain a baccalaureate degree, it is important to determine whether attaining a four-year degree after first enrolling in a community college results in a similar likelihood of attaining social mobility related outcomes.…”