The Relationship Between Extremely Low Term GPAs and Time to Graduation

• In Event: Academic Choices and Success

Abstract

Previous research provides an abundance of evidence about correlates with time to degree. It is understood that student performance is positively correlated with graduation. Yet, researchers have not yet examined graduation outcomes for the lowest performing students based on term GPA. In this study, we explore what happens to a group of students who either completely failed or almost completely failed an entire semester of courses, earning a 1.0 GPA or below. With a focus on equity, we attend to the role of background characteristics in our study. Results indicate that despite failing or nearly failing an entire term of courses, this group of students can recover and graduate from college.

Authors

• Samantha Nix, Florida State University

• Kimberly Pack, The University of Texas

• Karolina Lehel, Florida State University