Predictors of Graduation of Readmitted “At Risk” College Students

Abstract

We conducted an archival study of at-risk students who had “stopped out” of college for many reasons (academic dismissal, financial problems, personal problems, etc.) and who later were accepted to return to school. Approximately 27% of the accepted students chose not to return. Those who returned had higher grade point averages, had completed more semesters and more credits before stop-out, and had transferred in more credits than non-returners. Of the final sample of 290 students who returned, approximately 47% eventually graduated, a number that compares favorably to national graduation statistics. Sixteen variables were examined to predict whether the students later graduated or did not. In a hierarchical logistic regression, the only significant demographic variable was year of birth, with younger students being more likely to graduate. Two “intervention” variables were significant: students who had been academically dismissed were less likely to graduate, and those who participated in a pre-freshman summer orientation program were more likely to graduate. GPA upon readmission was not a significant predictor after controlling for other variables, although credits earned and semesters completed upon readmission were significantly positively related to graduation.

Reaching the non-traditional stopout population: a segmentation approach

“…For stopouts, research finding by Johnson (2006), Berkovitz andO'Quin (2006, 2007), and DesJardins et al (2006) indicate a positive relationship between previous academic performance and the likelihood of reenrollment.…”

“…Specifically for stopouts, Ahson et al (1998), Berkovitz andO'Quin (2006, 2007), Hammer (2003), and Woosley et al (2005) have all found that levels of previous educational attainment contribute to an intention to reenroll. Similarly, stopouts who value education and recognise its importance in society are more likely to state the intention to reenroll (Woosley et al, 2005).…”

Community College Re-Enrollment after Hurricane Katrina

“…Of course, such responsibilities vary by children’s ages and the number of children in the household. Research has also identified students’ age as an important demographic consideration in predicting retention, with younger students generally more likely to remain in school than their older counterparts (Berkovitz & O’Quin, 2006–2007; Coley, 2000; Schmid & Abell, 2003). …”

A predictive model for MSSW student success.

“…A break from their studies can eventually be beneficial to some students. Berkovitz andO'Quin (2006-2007) found that stopping out of college is not necessarily a predictor of not graduating. Students who stop out, for whatever reason, can return to schools and successfully complete their undergraduate program.…”

“…The main predictors in this model that increased the likelihood of graduation were the course completion ratio and the continuity index, together with full time status of students in the first semester. Berkovitz andO'Quin (2006-2007) also found that stopping out of college is not necessarily an indicator that students will not graduate. Hagedorn's (2004) creation of these two variables helped create a distinctive picture of how students attend collegeby leaving temporarily or by dropping only some of their classes in a semesterwhile not permanently leaving school and risking not graduating.…”