The Impact of Demographic, Academic, and Financial Variables on Predicting Four- and Six-Year Graduation at an Urban, Public, Hispanic-Serving Institution

Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of the underrepresented population in the U.S., institutions of higher education have not experienced as rapid a growth in their underrepresented student population. Furthermore, it is estimated that in the next few years, more than 40% of jobs will require a postsecondary degree. As the underrepresented population continues to grow nationally and the job market is increasingly requiring job seekers to hold a postsecondary degree, it has become vital that the U.S. and states focus on educating and graduating its growing underrepresented population. The purpose of this study was to determine what demographic, academic, and financial factors contribute to graduation in four and six years for students attending a large, urban, public, research, Hispanic-serving institution in South Florida, where more than 75% of its students are from underrepresented groups.