The College Drop-out: Factors Affecting Senior College Completion

Abstract

In this follow-up study of 8,567 Project TALENT students who had attended senior college within five years after high school graduation, the relative influence of 38 personal and background factors are examined as they relate to college completion. Aptitude measures and marriage and family variables are shown to be primary determinants of progress through college. However, inclusion of all 38 variables in a multiple regression prediction equation accounted for less than 30 percent of the variance in dropping out versus completing senior college for women, and less than 20 percent of the variance in this criterion for men. While the variables employed in this study yield results which are a considerable improvement over the results of other prediction studies, the degree of accuracy in prediction is not sufficient to be applicable in educational guidance and policy considerations. Other research strategies implied by the findings which may yield relatively high probability predictions are discussed.