African American Doctoral Students at For-Profit Universities: A Narrative Explanation
Jodi K. Hall, Ed.D, MSW

Abstract
Much of what is known about the factors that influence African Americans decisions to choose for-profit universities (FPUs) for doctoral studies is a theoretical. This qualitative study, grounded in critical race theory, contributes to the limited existing body of knowledge through the use of rich narrative data. The study explores the experiences of doctoral students and identifies factors that influence their decisions to enroll in FPUs. An analysis of narrative data revealed concerns about micro aggressions at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Moreover, African American students are willing to pay a high tuition cost at FPUs, than they might pay at PWIs, for convenience and the probability that they will escape micro aggressions. The findings suggests that universities that are not-for-profit and have low enrollment of African American doctoral students, should consider targeting these highly motivated African Americans to enrich the diversity that many PWIs seek to achieve. Moreover, an increase in the number of diverse students may result in an increase in the number of diverse faculty members that would be attracted to the institution of higher education as well.

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