An Exploration of Variation in Help-Seeking Behaviors Among First-Year Undergraduates From Low-Income Families

• In Event: 31.092 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 31.092-7 - Poster Session: College Student Learning and Development (1)

Abstract

Studies have shown that student services are important for college retention and success. However, little is known on why low-income students do, or do not, seek services, much less on what type of services they seek. This study focuses on the relationship between college readiness, academic self-concept, and institutional student service expenditures and three formal student help-seeking behaviors—academic guidance, financial aid advice and tutoring services—among first-year students from low-income families. Findings indicate that an increase of $100 per student service expenditures increases the likelihood that students will seek academic guidance, but only at 2-year technical colleges. Furthermore, racial/ethnic minorities engaged in more help-seeking behaviors than non-Hispanic White. These variations may be explained by college readiness and academic self-concept.

Authors

• Jesus Javier Renteria, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Sara Goldrick-Rab, University of Wisconsin Madison