An Analysis of the Factors That Contribute to the Persistence of College Students From Their Freshman to Sophomore Year

Date

2005-08

Authors

Galvez-Kiser, Angelina I.T.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold. The exploratory portion of this research was conducted to determine the practical and statistical contribution certain variables (high school grade point average (GPA), first-year college GPA, residence location, cumulative hours taken, mother's education level, father's education level, and gender) made to the prediction and explanation of the persistence of college freshmen. Secondly, a logistic regression model was developed that could be used by officials at colleges and universities to help them more fully predict and understand the factors associated with freshman retention and attrition. A model consisting of 1,014 students was first developed and then the sample was divided into three other models, White students, Hispanic students, and African American students. The findings indicated that the most consistent factor that was statistically significant to the persistence of college freshmen was cumulative hours earned during the first year of college. This cumulative hours variable was statistically significant in the overall model, White students model, and Hispanic students model. No variables were statistically significant in the African American students model. However, no variables were found to be practically significant in any of the four models.

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Keywords

college student persistence, retention, attrition

Citation

Galvez-Kiser, A.I.T. (2005). An analysis of the factors that contribute to the persistence of college students from their freshman to sophomore year (Unpublished dissertation). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.

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