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College Orientation Profiles of Latino Students From Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds: A Cluster Analytic Approach

California State University, Los Angeles, jphinne{at}calstatela.edu

Jessica M. Dennis

California State University, Los Angeles

Delia M. Gutierrez

California State University, Los Angeles

This study used cluster analysis to identify college orientation profiles of 115 Latino college freshmen from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds and examined the relationship of profiles to adjustment and academic outcomes. Participants were surveyed on personal and cultural types of motivation and college degree goals, degree confidence, and college self-efficacy. College GPA was collected from school records. Three distinct and valid profiles were identified: a family and personally oriented group, a group committed to college, and a default group. The groups differed on college self-efficacy and degree confidence, which may influence future academic progress, but did not differ on GPA. The results suggest alternative approaches to college among Latino college students.

Key Words: Latinos • college students • college adjustment • academic achievement • academic motivation • cluster analysis

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