Not Just Money: The Impact of Financial and Holistic Support on Financial Concern and Achievement

• In Event: Different Factors Impacting Student Success

Abstract

There is limited evidence assessing the relationship between combined financial and social support on achievement. We explored this relationship to study a successful Comprehensive College Transition Program (CCTP), which serves low-income and first-generation students. We surveyed 1,570 first-year students across two cohorts and three campuses. Regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between financial concern and achievement; the relationship was more severe for students who only received financial support when compared to CCTP students, who received both financial and holistic support. Our findings provide evidence that both forms of support better alleviate the impact of financial concern on achievement than financial support alone.

Authors

• Gwendelyn Rivera, University of California - Santa Cruz

• Karen Alvarez, University of Southern California

• Darnell G. Cole, University of Southern California