Conversing With Kalamazoo Promise Students: An Inquiry Into the Beliefs, Motivations, and Experiences of Tuition-Free College Students

• In Event: Access, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation

Abstract

This research engaged in qualitative inquiry to explore students’ perceptions of KPromise, how those perceptions influence student motivation, and how students are assuming uncovered costs. Student responses indicate deep appreciation for the “gift” of KPromise and that this perception of the scholarship is a focused effort by the community. Students’ perceptions of KPromise has developed into strong extrinsic motivation to perform and in times of underperformance drove guilt – which, passions to be in college. KPromise scholars must still assume uncovered, most are doing so via paid work and student loan debt. Discussion is centered on how stakeholders interested in evolving tuition-free policies could utilize this research to flesh out best practices and how faculty/staff could better serve tuition-free students.

Authors

• Daniel A Collier, Western Michigan University

• Monica Liggins-Abrams, Western Michigan University

• Andrea L. Beach, Western Michigan University

• Ceceilia Parnther, Western Michigan University