An Analysis of Factors Affecting Dropout Risks of Nontraditional Students: Evidence from U.S. 4-Year Commuter Institutions. Issue 1 (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Jin; Ziskin, Mary B.; Torres, Vasti
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational reform. Volume 29:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: nontraditional students -- 4-year commuter institutions -- dropout risk -- event history analysis; Educational change -- Periodicals; Educational change -- United States -- Periodicals; Education and state -- Periodicals; Education and state -- United States -- Periodicals; Education, Secondary -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 379
• DOI: 10.1177/1056787919874864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2631-9675

Abstract

Utilizing event history analysis and multilevel models, this study explored dropout risks for first-time nontraditional students who started at public 4-year commuter institutions across a U.S. Midwest state. The study revealed that (a) the dropout hazard rate remained relatively high across college years and differed by gender, race, and family income; (b) individual characteristics such as socioeconomic backgrounds, academic performance and financial need were significant predictors for dropout, and (c) the differences in dropout were largely attributable to institutional structural and resource differences. These findings have important implications for policies and practices aiming to promote nontraditional student persistence to graduation.