Work

“I Kind of Backtracked a Little”: The Nonlinear College Choice Pathways of Rural Latinx Students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Leading college choice theories assume that all students follow linear paths to college. Applying a college-conocimiento framework, this article finds that rural Latinx students deviated from traditional, sequential pathways, experiencing reverse transfer, leaves of absence, changing transfer plans, and stopping out of college. Findings from several pláticas conducted over 4 years reveal that (a) institutional misalignment, (b) new passions, (c) financial responsibilities, and (d) familial relationships contributed to rural Latinx students’ nonlinear college choice pathways.

Source: Journal of Hispanic Higher Education

DOI: 10.1177/15381927251351340

Authors: Mayra Puente, Daniel Rios Arroyo, Melissa Romero

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, Appalachian State University

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400