A qualitative study of the academic and social factors affecting Latino students at a liberal arts college: Accomplishments and challenges

•Positive perceptions.•Academic help.•Hands-on experiences.•Contribution of CITL.

This study considers Latino students’ social and academic accomplishments and challenges at a liberal arts college. A qualitative methodology was employed, using 74 interviewees. Thematic analysis was used. The findings showed the relevance of the curricula to students’ future career and life. Teachers’ positive role was highlighted in the students’ academic accomplishments. The challenges included content difficulty, uneasiness with some teaching methods, amounts of schoolwork, limited social interaction and English language skill.