Recent studies show that Hispanic students are enrolled in college at a higher rate than non-Hispanics, but are less likely to earn a four-year degree.
A report released on Sept. 5 by the Pew Hispanic Center said Latino students face financial pressures that other students do not. It is these factors, and not a lack of interest, that is causing the students to be at a disadvantage.
Researchers found that many Latino students enroll at an older age and are more likely to attend a community college as opposed to a four-year institution.
Reports show Hispanic students tend to take a partial course load in order to maintain a job to support their family.
This study contradicts the former belief that Latinos do not graduate from colleges or universities. The survey shows that poor preparation has been given to Latino students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and this is one of the main reasons that Latino students enroll in community colleges, which usually offers more remedial classes.
Previous studies by the Education Department have shown that Latinos receive less financial aid than other minorities and whites, and that they feel less comfortable borrowing large sums of money in order to finance their education.
A report in March, by the Higher Education Public Interest Research Group, showed that on an average, students now graduating from college owe an estimated $17,000 in student loans and over $3,000 in credit card bills.
It has also been discovered that many of these students have been attending college with no intention of obtaining a degree. They wish only for vocational or practical training so they may enter the working world.
The study showed that by the end of their 20’s, 21 percent of black high school graduates and 37 percent of white graduates receive a four-year degree, while only 16 percent of Latinos receive the same.