Dey, Eric L. EVALUATING COLLEGE STUDENT RETENTION: COMPARATIVE NATIONAL DATA FROM THE 1981-1984 ENTERING FRESHMAN CLASSES. 19 Apr 1990. 25 p. (ED319320)

Data from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program Follow-Up Surveys were used to study student retention at four-year colleges and universities. Data used were from the 1985-1988 follow-up surveys of 1981-1984 freshmen. Student data were also requested directly from the institutions themselves, concerning degree earned, number of years completed, admission test scores, and current enrollment status. Three retention measures were utilized: (1) received a bachelor's degree 4 years after college entry; (2) received a bachelor's degree 4 years after college entry or had completed 4 years of course work; and (3) received a bachelor's degree, or completed 4 years, or was enrolled in the fifth year. Individual characteristics that were found to be positively correlated with retention included high-school grade point average, admission test scores, and being female. Prediction equations were developed with the use of multiple regression in order to allow institutional researchers and policymakers to assess an institution's ability to retain students. Results can be used by researchers to statistically control for the influence that student characteristics have on retention, and then make valid inferences about the effect that the college environment has upon retention. Includes eight references. (JDD)