CHCI Capitol Hill Policy Briefing: College Affordability for Latino Students

More young Hispanics are choosing to attend college than ever before. Between 1976 and 2011, the percentage of Hispanic college students rose from 4 to 14 percent, according to National Center for Education Statistics data. In 2012, seven out of 10 Latino high school graduates enrolled in college, according to the Pew Research Center -- a figure that's higher than black or white students.

This is a positive development as Hispanics are expected to make up nearly 80% of the new workers entering the labor force over the next several decades and, as we all know, a college degree is almost mandatory for most good paying jobs. Notwithstanding, the cost of college education is high and it seems that it keeps on rising.

This briefing will focus on rising college costs for students and discuss how we can make sure that the price of a postsecondary education will not represent a barrier to access and success for Latino students who tend to come from lower income levels. Panelists will discuss policy recommendations and best practicesthat help Latinos students afford a quality postsecondary education.