Examining Factors Related to Rural College Student Achievement

• In Event: Structural and Individual Dimensions of College Experiences

Abstract

This study examined the relation of rural upbringing and college achievement. The study sought to determine which features of rural counties were important in predicting college achievement and whether the effect was the result of a prior effect on high school achievement. A variable capturing rurality and its relation to lower socioeconomic status and lack of enriched high school course offerings had a negative effect on college achievement not mediated by high school achievement. A variable measuring rurality and its relation to the lack of access to civic facilities that may provide academic enrichment opportunities also had a negative effect on college achievement; however, the effect of this variable became positive after controlling for its effect on high school achievement.

Authors

• Elaine Christman, West Virginia University

• Roxann Humbert, West Virginia University

• John C Stewart, West Virginia University