Examnining the effects of generation level, social class, and parents' level of education on Mexican American college students' outcoume expectation and perceived cultural congruity

Abstract

A survey was conducted with 309 Mexican American college students to assess the effects of college outcome expectancies and perceptions of the university environment. Specifically, we explored differences in generation level, social class, and parents' highest level of education on the students' college outcome expectancies and their perceptions of congruity in the university setting. Results indicated that there were no significant differences on perceptions of cultural congruity across generation levels, social classes, or parents' levels of education. However, significant differences were found in the students' college outcome expectancies across social classes, with working class students scoring lower than middle class students. These findings suggest that middle class Mexican American students perceived earning a college degree to be more beneficial than Mexican American working class students. These implications are instrumental to educational advisors and counselors to better understand the individual educational needs and perspectives of Mexican American college students. Particularly, they are instrumental for improving the value of pursuing post-secondary education.