Differences in 1-year persistence rates by the institutional status of Hispanic community college students: A Texas, multiyear analysis

Abstract

In this investigation, the 1-year persistence rates of Hispanic students in Texas community colleges were analyzed for the 2007-2008 through the 2013-2014 academic years.  Of particular interest was whether the 1-year persistence rates of Hispanic students different by their institutional status (i.e., stayed at the same community college or transferred to a different community college).  Inferential statistical analyses revealed the presence of statistically significant differences in the 1-year persistence rates of Hispanic students in Texas community colleges by institutional status in the 2007-2008, 20082009, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014 academic years.  The 1-year persistence rates were higher for Hispanic Texas community college students when they stayed at the same community college rather than when they transferred to a different community college.  The 1-year persistence rates of Hispanic students who stayed at the same Texas community college ranged from a low of 54% to a high of 60%.  In comparison, the 1-year persistence rates of Hispanic students who transferred to a different Texas community college ranged from a low of 42% to a high of 51%.