From Vision to Reality: A Descriptive Analysis of Adolescents’ and Perceived Mothers’ Aspirations for Higher Education

This study investigates adolescent’s and mother’s college aspirations, their alignment, and later college enrollment in a small Midwestern town using a descriptive analysis approach to study youth (N = 701) with 53 interviewed annually. A significantly higher percentage of female over male adolescents voiced college aspirations, with no differences among ethnic groups. Youth who later enroll in college aspired to do so; however, 65.8% of the total sample did not enroll in college (but aspired). Most adolescents reported maternal aspirations for college; female and Black youth were most likely to align with their mother’s college aspirations. Three qualitative themes emerged: unprompted mention of college for those who later enrolled; specificity about where or what to study; and reference to parents’ hopes. Implications suggest although most students report college aspirations, there is a disconnect between later enrollment. Specificity of plans and perceived familial alignment is important particularly for Ethnically Minoritized adolescents.