Abstract:
Presented at the 2000 AIR Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, this paper discusses retention and persistence as critical issues for
educational researchers at both 4-year and 2-year institutions. The purpose of
the current investigation is to explore the variables underlying persistence and
degree attainment in community colleges. The 1994 fall entering student
cohort will be examined to specify a complex of variables that predict whether
students persist, and whether those that indicate they want a degree/certificate
in fact earn one. In addition, information is presented concerning the reasons
why those students who chose to leave the institution made their decision to
do so.
