Income and Campus Disparities Among Hispanic-Identifying University of California Applicants: Implications for Hispanic-Serving Institution Designation

• In Event: Navigation Access and Opportunity: Examining Issues for College Access and Preparation for Latina/o/x Students

Abstract

Who claims Hispanic identity, and what constitutes a Hispanic Serving Institution? Leveraging undergraduate applicant data to the University of California system in the 2016 and 2017 application cycles, we surface a phenomenon whereby a significant number of applicants claim Hispanic identity by virtue of European heritage. We subsequently demonstrate how Hispanic-identifying students of European descent are significantly more affluent and more likely to apply to selective UC campuses, relative to their non-European Hispanic peers. We comment on the implications of these disparities for HSI designation, as well as the potential reinforcement of racialized and classed stratification within the UC system and beyond.

Authors

• AJ Alvero, University of Florida
  Presenting Author

• Sonia Giebel, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin (WZB)
  Non-Presenting Author

• Francis A. Pearman, Stanford University
  Presenting Author