A Comparison of Underrepresented Minority Undergraduate Student Retention in Health Programs Versus Nonhealth Programs

• In Event: Roundtable Session 41
  In Roundtable Session: (Psycho)Social Factors and Identity in Undergraduate Success

Abstract

A five-year trend indicates the first-time, full-time freshman cohort at the University of Cincinnati comprises an increasing percentage of minority students. Also, the University has nearly closed a 3% gap between the percentage of minority students enrolled in health programs as compared to non-health programs. However, gaps still exist in retention rates, university GPA, graduation rates, and time-to-degree for minority students in healthcare programs as compared to non-health programs. Better identification of success factors and increased efforts to improve retention and success of minority students in the college setting may help to offset this imbalance. This study provides data to support planning associated with support structures for retention and success of underrepresented minority students, especially those in health programs.

Authors

• Heather Moore, University of Cincinnati

• Tracy Herrmann, University of Cincinnati

• Maria Palmieri, University of Cincinnati