Summer Enrollment and Academic Momentum: Examining Who Enrolls and Who Benefits

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: Quantitative Modeling Approaches to College Student Outcome Analysis

Abstract

Summer enrollment has been a longstanding feature in U.S. higher education. However, surprisingly few studies have investigated its effects on student outcomes, despite recent efforts to improve national and institutional retention and degree attainment rates. Using a nationally representative dataset (N=210,056 at 471 four-year institutions) and building on the Academic Momentum framework, this study employed propensity score matching and multilevel (HGLM) modeling to estimate the effect of summer enrollment. Specifically, we examine who participates in summer classes, effects on first-year retention and persistence, and degree completion in six years. Results are positive and comparatively large, though students do not benefit equally.

Authors

• Ray Franke, University of Massachusetts - Boston

• Linda DeAngelo, University of Pittsburgh