ERIC Number: ED317346
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1989
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Forgotten Minority: Native Americans in Higher Education.
Wells, Robert N., Jr.
There is a paucity of information on college outcomes of Native Americans, matriculation and retention rates, factors that contribute to institutional holding power, and barriers to Native American achievement. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey of 79 two- and four-year colleges and universities that serve the largest percentage of Native American students. Results show that most institutions, including those with large Native American populations do not have a good database on Native American student performance and outcomes. Fewer than half the institutions responded to many questions, indicating that hard data was difficult to obtain. Responses from institutions with data indicate a matriculation rate of 27.3% for Native Americans. More than half of those leaving before graduation did so in their first year. One third of Native American students attended colleges part-time. The average $2,000 to $3,000 out-of-pocket costs for these schools is beyond the means of most Native American families. All reporting institutions indicated providing remedial or developmental courses, whereas 22 institutions reported that their programs included organized tutoring and Native American counselors, student organizations, and content courses. Four factors hindering college level achievement are (1) inadequate preparation; (2) adjustment to the college environment; (3) personal and family problems; and (4) financial difficulties. (DHP)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A