Research on college student attrition and retention is reviewed. Overall dropout rates and the reasons students give for dropping out are examined, and an attempt is made to assess the outcomes of going straight through college, as opposed to dropping out, temporarily leaving school, and not going to college at all. The demographic, academic,…

Data on the numbers and proportions of American Indian, Asian, black, Hispanic, white, and foreign students in American colleges and universities are reported for males and females, by institution type, level of study, state, and campus. (MSE)

This document presents an assortment of statistical data about higher education in Maryland. The information is presented for a period of years, so that trends can be highlighted. The book is organized by topic into these sections: (1) factors affecting enrollment, including college-going rate of Maryland high school seniors, their intended major,…

This document presents an assortment of statistical data about Maryland postsecondary education. The information is presented for a period of years so that trends can be highlighted. The Trend Book is organized into nine sections: (1) factors affecting enrollment, including college-going rates of high school seniors, their intended majors, their…

The 2003 British Columbia (BC) College and Institute Short Stay Pilot Survey was designed to collect data on the outcomes of former students who leave public colleges, university colleges, and institutes after completing a relatively small number of courses. It is important to understand why these students are leaving their institutions early,…

This guide provides business leaders with a starting point for establishing a dialogue on higher education reform. Business leaders have a vested interest in ensuring that our institutions of higher education remain accessible, accountable, and affordable, because higher education provides the skilled workforce that businesses increasingly need.…

The "ERIC Review" announces research results, publications, and new programs relevant to each issue's theme topic. This issue is a compendium of resources, advice, and research to help guidance counselors, parents, and students plan for college. The first section, "Starting Out on the Path to College," contains the following articles: "Why Get on…

This report summarizes the most recent data on key indicators of progress in American higher education. Eight sections focus on the following: high school completion (African Americans, Hispanics, and high school dropout rates); college participation and educational attainment (African Americans, Hispanics, and educational attainment); college…

This report presents data tables on fall 1998 enrollment at Minnesota's public and private postsecondary education institutions. An introduction and glossary precede the main body of the report, which has four parts: (1) five-year summaries for each institution, including total enrolment, full- and part-time enrollments, male and female…

This paper reviews the literature on campus climate as it relates to gaps in participation rates and attainment levels among White, African American, and Latino students. The paper cites reports noting that a large number of African American students perceive racism as a problem on campus, and that a majority perceive themselves to be potential…

This study tested a causal model of student college predisposition that incorporated traditional measures of influences (parents' education, income, gender, parents' expectations, grades, school activities), as well as two additional influences (first-generation status and mentoring) identified in qualitative studies of pre-college through early…

Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, this report examines eighth grade school variables that might predict college attendance for students whose parents have no college education (n = 2,521). The selected school variables are amenable to public policy and/or skilled leadership, and they include "school structure" (e.g.,…

In this article, the authors looked at the effects of one old-style educational reform--higher course graduation requirements--and five standard-based reforms--(1) school report cards; (2) rewards for school improvement; (3) sanctions for failing schools; (4) minimum competency examinations; and (5) hybrid minimum competency exam…

A study was conducted at Golden West College (GWC) in California to analyze the relationship between first-time students' participation in the college's assessment and orientation programs and their fall-to-spring persistence at the college. The study sample consisted of fall 1991 students who had declared either transfer, degree, or certificate…

This book examines how individuals from low-income families in the United States are able to attend college. Part 1 focuses on the odds against a poor person attending college, looking at the reality of growing up poor in the United States and the odds against escaping such poverty. Part 2 examines how poor people beat such odds, presenting a…