Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Retention and Transfer

Overview

Latino students represent a post-traditional profile, as do the majority of college students. Excelencia in Education’s research has found that many Latinos often transfer institutions, attend part-time, and remain enrolled well after beginning their postsecondary education. Many higher education policies prioritize a traditional college pathway entering postsecondary education college-ready right after high school and graduating in four years from the institution where they first enrolled. However, that does not represent the majority of college students today.

While recent economic challenges upended higher education and enrollments decreased for almost every group, Latinos’ enrollment is increasing again, showing a continued commitment to postsecondary education. Policymakers should strengthen policies that retain Latino students and support them on their post-traditional path to a degree. Doing so would Ensure America’s Future by helping more Latino students complete a degree in a timely fashion.

How can policymakers support Latinos’ retention and transfer on their path to a degree?

The following recommendations address college pathways and priorities to retain Latino students:

• Make transfer efforts an allowable activity in the Higher Education Act, Title V, Part A, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program.

• Update federal data to more accurately capture Latino students’ pathways and how federal funding impacts Latino student success.

• Provide financial incentives to retain Latino students on their path to graduation.

• Strengthen partnerships between higher education institutions and high school districts for high-quality dual enrollment programs.