Sentido de Pertenencia

The present study estimated the influence of academic and social collegiate experiences on Latino students' sense of belonging, controlling for background differences, using hierarchical analysis techniques with a nested design. In addition, results were compared between Latino students and their White counterparts. Findings reveal that grades, time spent studying, and interactions with diverse peers affect sense of belonging, accounting for approximately 11% of Latino students' belonging. Differences were found between Latino and White students. Important implications are discussed.