Examining Factors That Predict STEM Persistence at a Large, Public Research University

• In Event: 43.079 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Six - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 43.079-4 - Supporting Diversity in STEM Experiences and Pathways in Higher Education

Abstract

This study explores demographics, pre-college characteristics and multi-year (2003-2013) tracking of a census of 57,635 students that initially declared a STEM major upon entering a large research university in Texas. Logistic regressions were used to determine the factors that predicted graduation and STEM persistence, by SAT quartiles. Several factors predicted persistence in any major, though predictability was not as pronounced for persistence in STEM. Results showed that in most cases, the lower-quartile STEM students were more likely to graduate with any degree than those in the highest quartiles. This pattern was pronounced for historically underrepresented populations persisting in a STEM major. Implications for college admissions are discussed, as well as meaningful interventions to help students persist at the college-level.

Authors

• Mario I Suárez, Utah State University

• Alan R Dabney, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Hersh C. Waxman, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Timothy Scott, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Adrienne Bentz, Texas A&M University - College Station