Undergraduate Latino/a Student Retention and Graduation Rates at Penn State

Julian HaasJulia Martinez

April 23, 2013

Established OutcomeRetention and Graduation rates

among Latino/a students at Penn State◦Retention rates: “the ability of an

institution to retain a student from admission through graduation” (Berger, J. B.  & Lyons, 2005).

◦Graduation rates: The cohort population is first-time degree seeking baccalaureate freshman.

Why is this outcome important?

Penn State is a Predominantly White Institution (PWI)

Latino/as are the fastest growing student population in the U.S.

Latino/a retention and graduation rates are lower (Brown, Santiago & Lopez, 2003)

At Penn State◦ Latino student graduation rate: 15.5% lower◦ Latino student retention rate: 6.7% lower

Literature Review: InputsDemographics: low SES, first

generation, Spanish-speakingPerceptions: “Anything is

possible” attitude, college-bound culture

Systems of support: High school, family and community

Literature Review: Environments

Environments: College Experiences

Shared Themes~Financial~Climate

~Systems of Support

Theoretical FrameworkAstin’s (1993) I-E-O Model

Our IEO Model

Shared Themes

~Financial~Climate

~Systems of Support

Applicability to other CommunitiesOther minority student

communitiesStruggling studentsRetention of non-students

◦faculty, staff, donors, alumni

UsefulnessPractitioners, faculty/staff,

student leaders◦Influencing meaningful

conversations◦Identifying areas of need and

barriers to success◦Guiding programming and policy

Discussion and ConclusionPersistence and graduation rates for

Latino students at Penn State are lower

Change in institution to match change in student need

Need for holistic support of Latino/a students

Our model can help increase retention and graduation rates

Can be applied to other groups

Thank you!References available upon

request