A Phenomenological Study: Challenges for Undergraduate Nontraditional Hispanic Women Students on the Path to Degree Attainment

This study was conducted at a small public university located in New Mexico, in the southwest area of the United States. The purpose of the study was to understand persistence to degree attainment of undergraduate nontraditional Hispanic women (NTHW) students at an Hispanic-serving institution (HSI). The findings revealed that Hispanic cultural values regarding "homemaker" expectations versus education, social roles, and finances create challenges and implications for NTHW students on the path to degree attainment. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach illuminated understanding of the shared experiences of nine NTHW students. The findings of this study can help HSIs and policymakers understand the educational implications for NTHW students. States like New Mexico, a minority-majority state, would benefit from policies that help increase college completion of its nontraditional Hispanic citizenry.