Exploring Longitudinal College Persistence Behavior Among First-Generation Students: Time-Varying Effects of Academic and Social Integration

• In Event: Identifying Factors That Influence College Student Success in Academic and Labor Market Outcomes

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Education has currently been undertaking a new college rating system with focuses on key critical measures of institutional performance, such as improving access, affordability and student outcomes. One of the metrics in this new rating system is college success of first-generation students. Existent research suggests that first-generation students are less likely to persist in college. Coupled with the most recent national dataset, this study investigated longitudinal college persistence/withdrawal behavior for first-generation students. This study found that first-generation students were most likely to withdraw from college during the second year. Moreover, this study unpacked the time-varying nature of social integration. The effect of social integration on persistence was strengthened as students progressed in their college careers.

Author

• Terry T. Ishitani, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville