Term
Spring 2017
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAEd
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Jason Miller
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Janis Johnson
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Elle Hallinan Pace
Abstract
The research question addressed in this project was: What motivates low-income students to attend selective colleges? A mixed-method approach of online surveys and formal interviews were employed to better understand low-income students’ thoughts, motivations and experiences while applying to college and selecting a post-secondary institution. The author presents the related research literature on the challenges facing low-income students in post-secondary matriculation, explains the benefits low-income students can reap by attending selective institutions, and interprets survey and interview data to determine where and why low-income students apply to college. Findings suggest that low-income students need better access to financial aid literacy to ensure they matriculate to a college that is an academic match.
Research Methodology
Interview, Survey (attitude scale, opinion, questionnaire)
Keywords
Motivation, Social Justice, Low-Income Students
Recommended Citation
Hildahl, Kimberly Denise, "Motivations Of Low-Income Students To Enroll In Selective Colleges" (2017). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 4353.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/4353