Predicting Student Retention in Universal Place-Based College Promise Programs: A Piecewise Logistic Event History Modeling

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Financing Student Success: From Promise Programs to Loan Reduction Initiatives (Table 7)

Abstract

The benefits of higher education to individuals and society are numerous and well-documented, but there is a persistent disparity in college access. College promise programs, also known as free college initiatives, have the potential to address institutional and structural barriers, such as financial, informational, and academic obstacles. Research has shown that these programs tend to improve college enrollment, but little is known about what happens after students enter higher education. This empirical study predicts student retention in a place-based college promise program using a piecewise logistic event history modeling. Results show gender, race/ethnicity, high school GPA, and FRL status are significant as univariate predictors. Multiple-variable analyses demonstrate the significant association between high school GPA with retention, controlling for other variables.

Author

• Lu Xu, University of Washington