Factors that affect graduation and retention rates of Hispanic students at a Hispanic serving institution

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States and the second fastest growing group in the in post-secondary education. However, at most major universities Hispanic students are less likely to stay enrolled and less likely to graduate than any other racial group. It is vital for Hispanics to earn a college degree, as earning a college degree is the key to competing and succeeding in professional lifelong careers. This study uses quantitative research methodology to determine whether relationships exist between the time it takes a Hispanic student to complete a college education and the barriers affect their graduation timeframe. The study includes descriptive, multivariate, and analysis of variance to determine the affect enculturation, acculturation, and self-academic concept along with gender on students receiving a post-secondary education. As well, analyses will be conducted to determine if enculturation, acculturation, self-academic concept along with gender impact the time it takes to graduate from a Hispanic-serving Institution. The population of interest is a Hispanic-serving institution in South Texas with a high Hispanic undergraduate enrollment.