The Role of Families in the Transition to Higher Education: Findings From a Broad Sample of Chilean Higher Education Institutions

• In Event: International Experiences and College Access

Abstract

The literature on decision-making in higher education has shown the importance of the family context in the expectations and opportunities that students have in relation to higher education. Less clear is the role that families play particularly in regards to the search for financial information and college labor outcomes and once students enroll in higher education. Based on higher education students´ retrospective interviews, we explore the role that families played during students´ college decision-making process as well during their tertiary studies. The results of the study show the different forms in which families support students´ transition to higher education. These findings provide clues for policy and program design that aim to support students´ transition to higher education.

Authors

• Maria Veronica Santelices, Catholic University of Chile

• Ximena Catalan, Catholic University of Chile

• Maria Lopez, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

• Carlos Gonzalez, Universidad Catolica de Chile