The role of assets in improving college attainment among Hispanic immigrant youth in the U.S.

Despite the importance of higher education, Hispanic immigrant youth still have far lower college attainment rate than whites in the U.S. Existing studies show the significant role of household assets on educational attainment even after controlling for income. Thus, this study examines the role of homeownership and school savings on Hispanic immigrant youth's college attendance and graduation. Findings show that homeownership is a significant positive predictor of Hispanic immigrant youth's college attendance and graduation, but parent school savings is not a significant predictor. Policy and practice implications discussed.

► We examine the role of assets on college attainment among Hispanic immigrant youth.
► Parents' savings is not a significant predictor of Hispanic youth's college outcomes.
► Homeownership is a significant predictor of Hispanic youth's college outcomes.
► Improving housing policies may be an effective way for increasing college outcomes.