Impacts of Covid-19 on Enrollment and Persistence for BIPOC, Asian, and White College Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Needs Based on Generation Status, Class, Race/Ethnicity, and Disability (Table 5)

Abstract

Maintaining healthy enrollment and persistence rates in higher education is crucial yet challenging. Based on Bean's student attrition model, this study examined COVID-19's impact on enrollment and persistence among BIPOC, Asian, and White students at a predominantly White university. The results showed a decline in new freshmen enrollment post-pandemic but an increase in the proportion of BIPOC and Asian students. The trend of the post-pandemic persistence rates across semesters for BIPOC students moved closer to those of White and Asian students. Odds ratios were reported to quantify the racial differences in persistence rates. This study contributes to the discourse on educational equity and helps inform more inclusive practices that enhance retention and success for all students.

Authors

• Meng-Jia Wu, Loyola University Chicago

• Marilee Bresciani Ludvik, University of San Diego