How Much Does Student “Quality” Account for College Variation in Retention?

• In Event: Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Approaches to Retention Efforts: Considering Institutional and Individual Factors

Abstract

Internationally attention is increasingly focused on how students fare after entry to college, with the focus on student experiences in relation to retention, completion and withdrawal. This paper is based on analyses of non-progression in higher education among the full population of entrants to higher education institutions in Ireland in 2007. The analysis highlights the importance of taking account of student intake in assessing the effectiveness of institutions in student retention. Wide overall differences across institutions to a large extent reflect differences in the types of students enrolling in different colleges. In particular, prior academic achievement plays a central role in student progression, with social class processes largely mediated through prior performance.

Authors

• Selina M. McCoy, Economic and Social Research Institute

• Delma V. Byrne, National University of Ireland - Maynooth