Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Dr. Heath Marrs

Second Committee Member

Dr. Richard Marsicano

Third Committee Member

Dr. Heidi Perez

Abstract

The purpose of this archival study was to extend the existing literature concerning the challenges diverse students face when considering whether to pursue graduate school. The decision to pursue graduate education or developing aspirations to obtain a graduate degree happens through an intricate process that can be affected by many factors. In this study, six factors that aligned with Tinto’s work on college student persistence – financial concerns, academic motivation, family support, proximity, university environment, and access to mentors – were examined to determine their influence on students’ thoughts about pursuing a graduate degree. The data for this study was obtained from an archival sample of 246 students who attended a public university in the Pacific Northwest. Students were asked a variety of questions related to the six key factors. The study found that mentors and financial concerns were significant predictors of graduate aspirations among students. Consistent with previous research, students who reported more support from mentors were more likely to have thoughts of graduate school. On the other hand, students who perceived higher financial concerns were also more likely to have thoughts of graduate school. Results also revealed that both diverse and nondiverse students reported high graduate school aspirations. Additional analysis revealed that female students reported higher financial concerns. There were no statistically significant effects for race/ethnicity and no significant interactions for gender and race/ethnicity.

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