Hispanic perceptions of colleges and educational institutions are often shaped by both flexible and fixed standards of measurement. Affordability of a college education is one such measure that can vary significantly for Hispanic/Latino students. Costs can vary considerably depending on whether students attend a public or private institution, pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, or live within or outside the campus community. Issues of affordability are also raised when one considers the amount of time necessary to complete an undergraduate education. Past observations on experimentation of time to degree have led institutions to begin focusing their policies and objectives on the individual needs of the students. One population that needs institutional evaluation is Hispanic/Latino* students who are significantly underrepresented throughout the entire educational system. Although they comprise the fastest growing minority population in the United States, Hispanic college attendance is the lowest among all minority groups.

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