Factors affecting the persistence and graduation of transfer students

Abstract

This dissertation provides a better understanding of the persistence to graduation of two-year college transfer students. To achieve this objective, a prediction model was developed to assess the influences of the factors associated with the timing of graduation of two-year college transfer students. This model was developed using event history analysis. The model’s key independent variables include gender, race, socioeconomic status, number of previous institutions attended, percent of courses that did not transfer, two-year college GPA, GPA at the four-year institution and financial aid. The two time-dependent variables are financial aid and GPA at the four-year institution. This study found that the factors that seem to have a more significant impact on persistence to graduation are all academic related. The findings indicate a need for intrusive interventions that will allow institutions to identify students who lack the necessary academic preparation to succeed in a four-year institution early on. This proactive approach will enhance the students’ chances of persistence to graduation.