Factors affecting native Hawaiian student persistence in higher education

Abstract

This study examined the educational outcomes of 515 Native Hawaiian alumni who graduated between 1993 and 1995 from high schools throughout the State of Hawaii. The majority of students graduated from Kamehameha Schools, while the others received postsecondary financial aid from the Ke Alii Pauahi Foundation. Respondents were separated into two sections, college graduates and college non-completers. The entire population was divided into four groups, Native Hawaiians, Kamehameha Alumni, Other High Schools Alumni and Kamehameha Alumni Boarders. Research questions focused on the differences between college graduates and college non-completers as they related to residency, peer involvement and commitment to faculty. Astin?s theory of student involvement provided the theoretical framework for this study. In addition, this study included the Native Hawaiian sense of belonging variable.