New Chispa Study Reveals Pressures Facing Gen Z Latine College Students

Match Group’s Chispa, the leading dating app for Latine singles in the U.S., has partnered with the Center for Multicultural Science to release the third annual “Latine in College 2024” study. 25% of Gen-Z in the U.S. identify as Hispanic, and are responsible for the biggest increase in college degree attainment nationwide.

The study, which surveyed 1,040 Hispanic students aged 18-24, reveals that inflation is a significant concern. 58% said they were worrying about affording tuition, with 49% taking on side hustles unrelated to their academic goals. 

These financial strains also influence their dating decisions, with many students adjusting their dating habits due to economic pressures. 58% have considered dating someone with wealth, and 55% have thought about dating someone older.

Immigration is another critical issue, with 69% of students opposing mass deportation and 41% worried about deportation of loved ones. In addition, 41% believe that their family would allow them to date an undocumented immigrant.

Global conflicts also weigh heavily on these students, with 51% setting boundaries to protect their mental health from negative news. The impact of these issues extends to their social circles – 33% of students cut ties with those who hold differing views. This includes major topics like the Israel-Hamas conflict.

51% believe that affirmative action is unfair and should not be based on race/ethnicity, with 49% fully supporting it. Around 39% feel that it is based on stereotypes, and that they would see classmates differently for benefiting from it.

Despite these challenges, 59% of Gen Z Latines remain optimistic about their future, although 36% are considering moving abroad after graduation. Chispa’s Senior Director of Brand, Julia Estacolchic, noted how these pressures affect young Latines’ dating experiences. 

To support this community, Chispa is making donations to organizations such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.