Classifying Four-Year Broad-Access Institutions

• In Event: 60.084 - Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 60.084-11 - Strategic Responses to External Factors in the United States and Canada

Abstract

Broad Access Institutions (BAIs), which make up the large majority of four-year institutions, have been largely ignored by scholars. As such, research is needed to describe the structural, student and success characteristics that identify four-year BAIs. It is assumed that a great deal of variation exists among BAIs, but understanding of the complexity and diversity of four-year BAIs is constrained by assumptions about this type of institution. The purpose of this study is to identify, describe, and differentiate different types of four-year BAIs. Cluster analytic methods are utilized to develop a classification scheme for degree-granting, non-specialized four-year BAIs. Findings provide a foundation for future empirical and theoretical work by providing both a description and classification of BAIs.

Authors

• Catherine L. Horn, University of Houston

• Gloria Crisp, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Margaret T Kuczynski, University of Houston

• Elizabeth Cook, The University of Texas - San Antonio