College Information and Access: A Measurement Approach

• In Event: International Foci on College Access

Abstract

This research aims to investigate how much students know and what are the latent variables associated to the information level students have about college. For this purpose we used a specially designed instrument that includes questions not only about students ´perception of knowledge about college but also factual questions. These data were analyzed using a combination of quantitative techniques. Results show that secondary students know little about college, especially about costs (tuition and fees), financial aid and access policies; they exhibit some more knowledge about programs and higher education institutions. Students from low-income families seem to know relatively more about institution costs and financial aid, but their overall knowledge level remains low. Knowledge predicts enrollment in higher education institutions.

Authors

• Maria Veronica Santelices, Catholic University of Chile

• Magdalena Zarhi, Duoc UC

• Ximena Catalan, Catholic University of Chile

• Catherine L. Horn, University of Houston