Factors Influencing Black Student Enrollment at Private Hispanic Serving Institutions
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| Title: | Factors Influencing Black Student Enrollment at Private Hispanic Serving Institutions |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Genaro A. Balcazar |
| Source: | Online Submission. 2026Ed.D. Scholarly Research Project, Bradley University. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 139 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | African American Students, Minority Serving Institutions, Hispanic American Students, College Students, College Choice, Student Characteristics, Institutional Characteristics, Private Colleges, College Enrollment, Costs, Programs, Barriers, Cultural Influences, Social Influences, Student Recruitment |
| Abstract: | Higher education has entered a period of demographic decline, resulting in fewer high school graduates and increased competition for students, placing acute pressure on tuition-dependent institutions to stabilize enrollment and maintain long-term viability. Existing literature on student college choice examines the college decision-making processes and structural and racialized barriers affecting college-aged students. However, a gap in the research literature exists regarding how Black and African American (BAA) students evaluate and decide to enroll at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), leaving limited evidence guiding their recruitment and enrollment strategies. This study examined which personal, social, academic, and institutional factors influenced BAA students' decisions to enroll at private HSIs. This action research project employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to examine these complex variables, drawing on data collected through an online survey and a qualitative focus group with BAA students at a private Midwestern HSI. Results show that affordability and financial feasibility factors set the boundaries in their enrollment consideration, while academic program alignment determines institutional choice, and social variables and institutional conditions shape perceptions of fit after enrollment. HSI designation did not influence study participants' enrollment decisions. The findings suggest that BAA enrollment decisions are heavily influenced by how institutions balance affordability with academically relevant programs and visible student support, making enrollment viable. Implications for HSIs and similar institutions include offering financial aid early in the recruitment process to reduce uncertainty, clearly outlining academic programs that match students' interests, and closely coordinating recruitment, academic, and student support services. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED680391 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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