Human, Social, and Cultural Capital Predicts Postcompletion Earning: Nontraditional Student Characteristics and College Factors

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Underrepresented Student Populations and Institutional Practices

Abstract

Non-traditional student (NTS) characteristics are traditionally associated with deficit perspectives for the challenges they bring to postsecondary students’ academic journey. Yet, little research has been conducted on the NTSs’ outcomes beyond academic attainment. The present study examines the predictive effect of NTS characteristics, college factors, and other individual variables on bachelor recipients’ post-completion income. Findings suggest that NTS characteristics do not influence students’ post-completion outcome equally. Some “risk index factors” can be valuable cultural and social assets NTSs bring to their career success. Family backgrounds, college quality, and college experience factors all play a role in students’ accumulations of cultural and social capitals -- resources that can be invested along with human capitals for long-term economic gains.

Authors

• Mingxia Zhi, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Sara Liao-Troth, Georgia College & State University