The true purpose of this study is to contribute to researchers' and practitioners' understanding of the power of Teacher-Student Relationships (TSRs) relative to at-risk students' graduation status. Much of the research surrounding dropouts focuses on root causes like attendance, retention, and families' economic status. However, minimal research…

The achievement gaps between Black and white students in math and science have remained unchanged over the last decade. Additionally, disparities in academic achievement and academic outcomes, like dropout, have persisted across genders. Existing research has explored the intricacies of various forms of identity -- namely racial and gender…

Using descriptive statistics and logistic regressions, this study compared U.S. Census data from 22-24-year-old women in 1980 and 2020 to determine the individual and contextual variables most predictive of bachelor's degree attainment. The regressions were conducted for women overall, women who have ever enrolled in college, mothers, and mothers…

Not all students who enroll in college complete their degree. Students who drop out of college and fail to graduate represent a dilemma for higher education administrators. Determining factors that may lead to attrition has been a topic of discussion amongst educators. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are any relationships…

This study highlights the role and importance of advanced, machine learning-driven predictive models in enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of identifying students at-risk of negative academic outcomes in data-driven Early Warning Systems (EWS). K-12 school districts have, at best, 13 years to prepare students for adulthood and success. They…

The purpose of this study is to identify determinants of student persistence and degree completion in Louisiana. Currently, the state ranks second to lowest in the nation with individuals who experience higher education and obtain a college degree. Recognition of influential factors on student persistence and degree completion allows legislators…

The purpose of this dissertation study was twofold. First, this research study examined the role of noncognitive factors on degree completion, academic achievement, and persistence. Second, this research study examined the utility of the Personal Potential Index (PPI) as an avenue to reliably assess noncognitive factors of graduate students that…

This quantitative correlational study explored the factors influencing graduate level student dropout intention across disciplines. Based on previous retention research that focused on undergraduate populations, this study attempted to investigate how that research could be applied to a graduate level student population in a private, non-profit,…

The purpose of this study was to analyze and examine the support that is available to students at a North Central Texas Higher Education Institution. There is a global and national effort to increase the number of individuals entering STEM professions. Overall, there are not enough trained individuals to fill the number of STEM jobs that are…

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with academic achievement in at-risk high school students attending one of four charter schools in south Florida geared toward dropout prevention. Several factors were identified through a thorough review of the literature to identify the common demographic variables associated with…

Examining why a student leaves a nursing program, voluntarily or involuntarily, after successfully meeting competitive admission criteria is an important area of research. The ability to persist in higher education, and in particular for student nurses, is a critical determinant of academic success. Attrition rates among nursing programs range on…

With the population of English learners (EL) entering Texas public schools increasing, it is essential to understand how the current school system supports these students. This study investigated the language used in school handbooks as a predictor of English Language Learners' (ELL) academic outcomes in Texas independent school districts. Student…

Online education has been experiencing steadily increasing enrollment rates and it is therefore vital to study student and institutional factors related to dropout risk for online students. Currently, prior research examining this rapidly developing field is limited. With online graduate programs experiencing continuous growth in enrollment rates,…

Low income students are more likely to leave college without a degree than high income students although there are low income students who persist to graduation. The most likely time for students to leave the University is after the first year. The purpose of this qualitative study of low income students, both retained and not retained, is to…

Aggressive students often struggle in multiple domains of their school functioning and are at increased risk for high school dropout. Research has identified a variety of warning flags which are strong predictors of high school dropout. While it is known that aggressive students exhibit many of these warning flags, there is little research which…