Hispanic students at community colleges with large Hispanic enrollments generally perform better academically than do those at institutions with few Hispanic peers, according to a study published this month in the journal Research in Higher Education.
The study, which focused on 5,000 students in the Los Angeles area, found that Hispanic students at colleges where they were well represented were more likely to enroll in college-level classes, to complete their courses, and to earn higher grades.
It also found that, by comparison, English-speaking ability, age, and engagement (such as how often students worked in small groups outside of class) each had a more limited impact on Hispanic students’ success. But students’ aspirations and academic outlooks, such as whether they said they enjoyed challenging work, did have a significant effect.
