This paper examines some of the major problems and barriers faced by Hispanic/Latino youth who, despite high college enrollment rates, do not complete the four-year degree. An examination of five entering classes of Illinois college students found that only 30.2 percent of Hispanic students had completed their degrees at the end of four years, 33.8 percent were still enrolled in college, and 36 percent had dropped out. Factors identified as leading to lack of persistence included the overall cost of earning a degree, lack of academic preparation for college in junior and senior high school, poor articulation between community colleges and four-year institutions, limited access to resources, and family pressures. Several strategies are suggested for improving timely degree completion, including pre-college initiatives such as providing multicultural training for teaching faculty and support staff to dispel stereotypes, introducing concepts of academic achievement and excellence in elementary schools, emphasizing the concept of career opportunities available through post-secondary training, and involving members of the Hispanic community in school parent-teacher organizations. Post-secondary strategies suggested include developing bilingual brochures for high school counselors, parents, and advisors, providing information about fast-track programs, building schedules around student needs, initiating summer scholarship opportunities, and reevaluating general education requirements in colleges. (Contains 28 references.) (JM)