Identifying Barriers to Success: College Persistence and First-Generation Students
Date of Award
12-12-2024
Degree Name
Ed.D. in Leadership for Organizations
Department
Department of Educational Administration
Advisor/Chair
Aaliyah Baker
Abstract
This dissertation studies the educational journeys of first-generation college students at Sonoran Catholic High School, a Catholic diocese in the Southwest Region Diocese in the U.S. The school serves predominantly Hispanic students and families, with over 80% of its students identifying as first-generation (first in their families to attend college). While Catholic institutions boast high secondary graduation and college enrollment rates, first-generation students face distinct challenges. National statistics indicate that only 27% of these students complete their degrees within four years, in contrast to their non-first-generation peers. Internal data from Sonoran Catholic reveals a troubling decline in four-year graduation rates, alongside a significant decrease in students persisting beyond their second year of college. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative data analysis from a survey and qualitative interviews to explore the self-identified internal and external factors affecting the college persistence of Sonoran Catholic alumni from the graduating classes of 2015 - 2018. The identified barriers include financial strain, lack of support, balance, and the implications of first-generation student status. The qualitative interviews with alumni provide deeper insights into these challenges, highlighting personal experiences students faced with these barriers. The findings of this research culminate in a program designed to empower students and families by addressing these obstacles and fostering college success. By understanding and addressing the specific needs of first-generation students, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on educational equity and access, ultimately promoting improved outcomes for future generations of Sonoran Catholic graduates.
Keywords
First-Generation, College Preparation, Nepantla, Intersectionality
Rights Statement
Copyright © 2024, author.
Recommended Citation
Maciel, Miranda, "Identifying Barriers to Success: College Persistence and First-Generation Students" (2024). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7497.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/graduate_theses/7497
