Hispanics See Value In Higher Ed, Don't Pursue

 NEW YORK - The findings of the Univision-AP Poll relating to Higher Education show that Hispanics, despite acknowledging the value of a college degree, most often do not achieve the goal. According to the survey:

·         Hispanics value higher education more than Americans as a whole with 87 percent of respondents stating a college education is extremely or very important, compared to 78 percent of the overall population in the nation.

·         Ninety-four percent of Hispanics expect their own children to go to college, a desire thatÂ’s slightly stronger for girls. Seventy-four percent said the most important goal for a girl right after high school is to attend a four-year college, compared to 71 percent for boys.

The Univision-AP Poll also revealed some of the barriers that keep Hispanics from higher education:

·         Fifty-four percent of respondents said their parents did not expect them to attend college or did not care either way.

·         More than half of respondents – 54 percent – refer to cost as the top reason for not completing a college degree.

·         Fifty-two percent of Hispanics cited family responsibilities as the second most common reason for not completing college.

Although Hispanics try to avoid debt, 51 percent of Spanish Dominant Hispanics said it is always a good idea to take on debt to pay for a college education.

“Education, and improving academic achievement for Hispanic youth, is one of the most important issues in America today,” said Univision Networks President Cesar Conde. “The findings of the Univision-AP Poll on Higher Education reinforce the importance of our ‘Es El MomentoÂ’ campaign and our focus on empowering Hispanic parents and children with relevant information and connecting them with the resources they need to succeed.”

The Univsion-AP Poll is being released via a series of articles based on the findings. The series began with a story examining the diversity, views and experiences of Hispanics, followed by a story on the economy, politics and todayÂ’s piece on higher education. Subsequent articles will follow focused on religion, media consumption and Hispanic identity.