To study the nature and extent of the school-dropout problem among Hispanics, a review of relevant literature and an analysis of data from the 1990 decennial census were conducted. School-dropout rate for Hispanic Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 was approximately 30 percent, with the comparison figures at 18 percent for non-Hispanic Blacks and 10 percent for non-Hispanic Whites. Dropout rates were much higher, at 43 percent, for those not born in the United States, and the adjusted rate for those who had contact with U.S. schools was 26 percent. Limited English skills, poverty, and early parenthood were factors in dropping out. Barriers young Hispanics faced in resuming their educations included poverty, poor English skills, the time needed to finish schooling, and job and family responsibilities. Seven figures and 15 tables present analysis results. Five appendixes contain census figures, confidence intervals, detailed estimates of dropout rates, expert sources, and major contributors. (SLD)