Existing research indicates that underrepresented-in-STEM racially minoritized students with similar academic preparation are less likely than their counterparts to persist in STEM, raising the question of factors that may contribute to racial disparities in STEM participation beyond academic preparation. We extend the current literature by first…

Many surveys show that the non-traditional students present a higher risk of dropping out (National Audit Office, 2007; Provasnik & Planty, 2008). Nevertheless, empirical research that tries to understand this phenomenon, also in light of different institutional contexts (e.g. four years or two years, residential or non-residential) and of the…

Much of the focus of research on the impact of financial aid (debt in particular) has focused on undergraduate students. It is equally important to understand the impact of financial aid on graduate students, particularly since graduate students incur much higher levels of debt due to their prolonged time in higher education and because the rate…

Socialization has become the common theoretical framework used to better understand the complexity of the doctoral student experience. In particular, theories of socialization have been connected to the issue of attrition in doctoral education, with researchers often attributing poor or inappropriate socialization to a student's decision to depart…

At least 40% of the students who begin a doctoral program fail to complete it. This remarkable fact is one of the hidden flaws of a system usually touted as the crown jewel of the American higher education system. American graduate education is generally regarded as the best in the world, and yet, at the turn of the century, many researchers,…

This study investigated attrition and degree completion behavior of first-generation college students. Based on the findings, first-generation students were at the highest risk of departure during the second year, followed by the first year. These students were also 51% less likely to graduate within 4 years than students with college-educated…

The longitudinal process of student departure is marked by distinct stages that reflect the unique problems individuals encounter in seeking to become incorporated into the life of the institution. Stages include: separation, transition to college, and incorporation in college. Research and policy implications are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The ease with which two tables can be constructed that capture the many changes of majors made by a selected student cohort over a specified period of years is demonstrated. The way in which such tables can be used by planners at both the departmental and university level is shown. (Author/MLW)

A comprehensive theoretical model designed to explain the academic satisfaction, residential living satisfaction, academic performance, and retention of college students is presented. The model is tested against data obtained from a state university. Use of the model to test the effect of institutional policy measures on retention is described.…

A five-scale instrument developed from a theoretical model of college attrition correctly identified the persistence/voluntary withdrawal decisions of 78.5 percent of 773 freshmen in a large, residential university. Findings showed that student relationships with faculty were particularly important. (Author/PHR)

A non-recursive model was developed to assess the degree of reciprocity between satisfaction and performance as indicated by grade point average. Data from students at a single research university were used. The causes of satisfaction differ for men and women. (Author/MLW)

This project explores the meaning of membership for members of a Black Greek organization (BGO) and uncovers how the members utilize the fraternity to create various connections. It incorporates underutilized research on voluntary associations and draws attention to a necessary distinction between membership in a BGO and membership in a…

Some policy initiatives can be effective with some forms of dropout in some subpopulations. Reduction, rather than elimination of attrition, and transfer as a means of meeting student needs should be considered more seriously. (Author/MSE)

Inductive analysis of in-depth, open-ended interviews of persisting and nonpersisting Mexican American university students yielded two conceptual schemes, corresponding to pre- and post-matriculation attitudinal and behavioral patterns, for interpreting their perceptions of college-going experiences. (Author/MLW)

A model of drop-out from distance education is proposed. The longitudinal model is developed from Tinto's model. It includes components for background characteristics, goal commitment, academic and social integration, and a cost/benefit analysis. Issues inherent in testing the model are discussed. (Author/MLW)