Estimating the Impact of the 15-to-Finish Initiative on Retention and Graduation Outcomes

• In Event: Data-Driven Insights into Student Retention, Attainment, and Beyond

Abstract

This study estimates the impact of the 15-to-Finish Initiative on retention and graduation outcomes. Utilizing institutional data from first-time full-time students enrolled from fall 2010 through fall 2024, we trained a pre-implementation enrollment behavior model (fall 2010 to fall 2013) to predict post-policy likelihood of enrolling in 15+ credits (fall 2014 to fall 2019). Students were grouped into bins based on their predicted likelihood of enrolling in 15+ credits, and corresponding retention and graduation outcomes were examined. Results indicate that the 15-to-Finish Initiative encourages a higher proportion of students enrolled in 15 or more credits. Increased likelihood of enrolling in 15+ credits was positively associated with higher retention as well as four- and six-year graduation rates.

Authors

• John Crooker, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Qingmin Shi, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Christina Drum, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Laurel M. Pritchard, University of Nevada - Las Vegas