The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the college-choice influences of African American families. More specifically, this study explored the influence of parents on their children’s college-choice decisions. This qualitative case study used participant responses to family and individual interview questions to gather data.
This study explored one primary question: What factors influence the college-choice decisions of African American families? Two sub-questions included: (1) How do African American parents influence the overall college-choice decisions of their children? (2) How do African American parents who attended a PWI or HBCU influence the type of college or university their children chose to attend?
Findings of the study revealed that the college-choice decisions of African American families are influenced in multiple ways. Family influence, outside influences, and personal aspirations and motivations emerged as the common themes as described by the participants. Participants were influenced not only to attend college but also influenced on whether or not to choose a PWI or HBCU by parents, siblings, peers, activities and personal aspiration and motivation. In addition, outside influences such as peers, teachers and location were the biggest influence on the parent participants; parental influence was the most prevalent for the adult children.