Closing The Graduation Gap: Factors that Impact the Graduation and Enrollment Rates of First Generation African American Male Students at Predominantly White Christian Universities

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtables Session 4
  In Invited Roundtable: Faculty Experiences, Online Learning, and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (Table 15)

Abstract

African American males have the lowestretention and attrition rates across the board at predominately white Christian
universities. I observe this problem in African American males' retention and
enrollment rates in their sophomore and senior years. Researchers have
compared the retention and enrollment of this student demographic both online
and on-campus and concluded that academic preparation, financial obligation,
and family support are the most critical factors contributing to African American
males' success at predominately white Christian universities. What is not clear is
if factors such as diversity, religion, and underrepresentation contribute to the
decline in African American male retention and attrition rates at predominantly
white Christian universities.

Author

• Byron C. Johnson, Abilene Christian University