The Role of College-Bound Friends in College Enrollment Decisions by Race, Ethnicity, and Gender

This study examines the association between college-bound friends and college enrollment using restricted transcript data from High School Longitudinal Study. Propensity score matching school fixed effects models suggest that having close is positively associated with enrolling in college. However, Black Latino male students are much less likely to benefit than others, suggesting structural cultural factors tied race, ethnicity, gender may limit beneficial potential of friends, especially for these students. Implications addressing racial ethnic disparities role decisions discussed.