A Study to Determine the Factors Associated with the Low Graduation Rate Among Hispanic Students.

Graduation rates fluctuate every year in the U.S., but some troubling tendencies have emerged amongst certain demographics in recent years. Amongst minority groups attending school in the United States, Hispanic and Latino students have one of the lowest graduation rates across the board. Determining the reason for this low graduation rate is of prime importance to educational departments and the country as a whole. By evaluating the factors contributing to low graduation rates amongst Hispanic students, we can perhaps improve in the future.

Studies have determined several main factors contributing to low graduation rates amongst Hispanic students. These factors have made it increasingly difficult for Hispanic students to finish high school and attain college-level degrees, which often lead them to less successful careers. The most prominent factors towards low graduation rates amongst these students, according to several official studies, include:

• Economics. Many Hispanic students tend not to graduate from college because of financial concerns. When compared to other ethnic groups, especially Caucasian, Latinos are found to have dramatically lower incomes and socioeconomic statuses. Members of Latino families are found to have lower-paying service jobs and individual budgets that don’t allow for much extravagance. This makes school attendance very difficult for many Hispanic students, which can’t afford tuition fees, books, materials and other expenses that align with higher learning. As a result, they cannot finish schooling and often drop out.
• Language. Though there is a large number of second, third or fourth generation Hispanic immigrants living in the United States today, language barriers are still a prevalent issue for this ethnic group. In a mainly English-speaking world, Hispanic students may be far more fluent in Spanish or Portuguese, leading to difficulty in understanding even simple assignments. The language barrier does not reflect individual intelligence; however, it does discourage and harm students trying to succeed in school.
• Environment. Due to the socioeconomic status of many Hispanic families, students often find themselves at a higher risk of living in more dangerous areas and exposed to a higher degree of crime. Drug use, illegal activities and teen pregnancy are almost always higher amongst young Hispanic students than any other ethnic group.
• Culture. Some studies link low graduation rates with certain cultural norms existent in Hispanic societies. While these studies are still underway, it is believed that some cultural expectations contribute to high school and college dropout rates. For example, close-knit family values lead many students to drop out of school in order to help support the family. However, Hispanic culture also values learning and education very highly, which tends to contradict some findings.