“Each year nearly one million Latino students turn 18 years of age and graduate from high school. Most aspire to go to college, knowing that higher education is a key that unlocks the door to a better and more enriching life,” said Eric Rodriguez, senior vice president of policy and advocacy at UnidosUS. “But too many find that college is no escape from the struggle against poverty and food insecurity. We must invest in supporting these students to ensure that higher education can deliver on its promise.”
Rodriguez said that it was critically important to create opportunities for Latinos—who now make up one in five students at the postsecondary level—to thrive in college.
The UnidosUS survey was conducted by BSP Research, an independent national survey company, between Aug. 16 and Sept. 25, 2024. All respondents completed the survey online and it was available in English and Spanish.
One of the key findings of the study is that Latino students are aspirational, viewing college as a gateway toward better paying jobs and a way to provide a better life for their families. However, a staggering 85 percent of Latino students said they struggle with food insecurity. These challenges were consistent across those enrolled at two-year colleges and four-year institutions. Among the Latino students who faced food insecurity, 45 percent of students sought access through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
According to the survey, 72% of Latino students said that they worry that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action could lead to a decrease in the number of Latinx students being admitted into college. Additionally, a number of students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, admitted to experiencing feelings of isolation while on campus.
