Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper evaluates the “mismatch” hypothesis, advocated by opponents of affirmative action, which predicts that graduation rates of minority students are lower at selective post-secondary institutions compared with colleges and universities where their academic credentials are better matched to the institutional average. Using two nationally representative longitudinal surveys (HS&B and NELS) and a unique survey of students enrolled at selective and highly selective institutions (C&B), we test the “mismatch” hypothesis by implementing a robust methodology that jointly considers enrollment in and graduation from selective institutions as interrelated outcomes. Not only do we reject the “mismatch” hypothesis for Hispanics, but we also confirm Bowen and Bok’s claims about black students enrolled at the most selective institutions during the late 1980s. The C&B data indicate that strong mentoring programs and more lucrative financial aid packages contribute to higher minority graduation rates at the most selective institutions.