The Educational Outcomes of Hispanics and Non-Hispanics in Arizona: Implications for National and State Policy Makers

Abstract

The majority of the literature dealing with Hispanic and immigrant education focuses primarily on large states to the detriment of other states, such as Arizona. Using the 1990 5% Census Public Use Microdata Sample file for Arizona, this study estimates the role of ethnicity and immigration at different education levels after controlling for individual and household variables. The study also links state fiscal revenue to a high school diploma, arguing that policy makers have this economic incentive to increase high school graduation rates. The study’s findings argue for a reconsideration of funding priorities to shore up the weakest points in the education pipeline.

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