This study was designed to (a) describe selected characteristics of students who stop out of, drop out of, and enroll continuously in American community colleges, (b) test for differences relative to selected characteristics between students who stop out of and students who drop out of American community colleges, and (c) examine what associations there are between selected characteristics and whether students stop out of or drop out of American community colleges. The main purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to reduce the gap found in the literature relative to the attendance patterns of students who enroll in American community colleges and (b) to help community college personnel better understand and address their students’ needs through a review of recommendations and intervention programs related to the retention of students.
This study utilized nationally representative data gathered from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study 1995-96 (NPSAS:96) and the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study 1996-2001 (BPS:1996/2001). The first research question was answered through the use of weighted estimates and standard errors. The second research question was answered through the use of t-tests, contingency tables, and Pearson’s chi-square. The third research question was answered through the use of forced entry binary logistic regression.
In addition to describing selected characteristics of students who stopped out of, dropped out of, and enrolled continuously in American community colleges between 1995-96 and 2000-2001, this study found that there are significant differences relative to the purpose for enrolling, parents’ combined highest level of education, and first attending a small institution between students who stop out and students who drop out of community college. Finally, this study found that there are two characteristics – academic integration and first attending a small institution – which had a significant association with whether students will stop out of or drop out of American community colleges.