Given the gap between the low average income of Hispanic families and the high cost of postsecondary education, financial aid must be offered to potential Hispanic college students. Moreover, schools must actively provide Hispanic parents with financial aid program information. (KH)

Formulates three reference group hypotheses to explain why some disadvantaged students achieve more highly than others. Focusing on low SES Hispanic language minority students, analysis shows that both middle class and Hispanic reference group orientations have a positive impact on educational achievement. (PS)