A recent study by the American Enterprise Institute, a nonprofit research organization, found that the college graduation rates of Hispanic students continues to lag behind those of white students, no matter how selective the college. This report complements an earlier study done by the Pew Hispanic Center that found that only 16% of Latino high school graduates earned a degree by age 29, compared with 37% of non-Hispanic whites and 21% of African-Americans. There are a variety of reasons for this notable discrepancy. Culture has a huge role: many Hispanics are very family-oriented, and social ties to home may restrict some students from completing their education. Language may act as a barrier as well. Additionally, university administrators have described whites as generally being "better prepared academically and financially for college."
Applying this research to the changing demographics of the U.S., where Hispanics comprise the nation's largest minority (and probably its fastest-growing, too), it is essential to close the gap between Hispanic graduation rates and those of whites. Affirmative action may be a viable solution, along with providing more financial aid to Hispanic families and devoting more attention and funds to our nation's community colleges. What do you guys think? What are some of the reasons this discrepancy exists, and how can we close the gap?
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