Factors That Affect College Access and Enrollment of Undocumented College Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: College Dreams: Access and Success Among Undocumented Students

Abstract

Approximately 200,000 undocumented students are enrolled in college, representing nearly 2% of all undergraduate students (Lopez, 2014; Teranishi et al., 2015). Existing literature on undocumented college students documents the multiple challenges they face during their educational pathway. This study focuses on a national sample of undocumented college students examining the influence of financial aid and enrollment policies on college access. To better understand the impact of policy in college access of undocumented students we used Perna’s (2006) multilayered model of student enrollment. Our preliminary findings demonstrate cost as an influential factor in their college enrollment decision. Ultimately, is important to critically examine college access for undocumented students as it has major implications for our country as a whole.

Authors

• Cynthia Maribel Alcantar, University of California - Los Angeles

• Edwin Hernandez, University of California - Los Angeles

• Robert T. Teranishi, University of California - Los Angeles

• Pavitee Peumsang, University of California - Los Angeles