While more Latinos are applying to and enrolling in college in California, a new study shows that a low number of them are actually graduating with a degree, ABC News reported.
Research released by the Campaign For College Opportunity found that only about 11 percent of Latino students are obtaining their bachelor degrees. That's compared to 39 percent of white students and 23 percent of African-American students in the state.
The author of the study explains that a major roadblock to Latino students' success begins with preparation. Based on the study, students are not receiving the education they need to help them succeed which contributes to poor college readiness and depressed college completion rates.
"Eighty-five percent of incoming students are assessed to be unprepared for college-level math and 70 percent unprepared for college-level English," the study read.
However, the report shows that Latino youth have a willingness and desire to go to college. The study explains that if the rate at which Latino students are applying were to equal graduation rates, the state could profit economically.
According to the study for every dollar the state puts into a student that completes college; they receive $4.80 back because of higher salaries that lead to more income tax revenue.
Amber Chiang, staff member at Bakersfield College, said the rate of completion for Latino students at BC actually equals out to those that attend.
"I think we're actually the antithesis to what that study is suggesting because our students are succeeding at the same rate their attending our college," she told ABC News.
However, she said some students come into college unprepared. This is an issue that affects students across races.
"Their testing in one or two degrees below collegiate level preparedness in math and English and that really slows down their ability to get the degree," Chiang said.
