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ERIC Number: ED642021
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 136
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-7806-2439-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Back Like I Never Left: Understanding the College Choice Process of Some College, No Degree Students
Chelsia B. Potts
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, University of Kansas
Some college, no degree (SCND) students are adults aged 25-64 who have earned college credit but no degree (Shapiro et al., 2019). There are currently 36 million adults in the United States with some college but no degree (Lumina Foundation, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2018). Reengaging this population to complete a degree or credential will assist in meeting U.S. degree completion goals, increasing social equity, and education opportunities (Lumina Foundation, n.d.; Shapiro et al., 2014; Shapiro et al., Wheatle et al., 2017). This study aimed to understand how these 12 SCND students attending Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City navigated the college choice process when reentering college. This study used a basic qualitative method and semi-structured interviews to understand how these SCND students navigated the college choice process. Using the Hossler and Gallagher (1987) College Choice Model as a theoretical framework, this study sought to answer three research questions: (1) How do the life experiences of these SCND students shape their aspiration to reenter college, (2) What search activities do these SCND students engage in during the college choice process? and (3) Why did these SCND students enroll at the community college, specifically MCC. The data analysis finds that these SCND students initially attend college as a next step after high school or for career advancement. However, due to caretaking responsibilities and working while in college, these students decided to stop out before earning a degree. The participants also recalled having limited information about college and career pathways and financing during their initial enrollment. The participants were motivated to return to college by loved ones, personal satisfaction, earning potential, and the KC Scholars program. None of the participants applied to any institution besides MCC. Participants attended MCC because it offered short programs, flexible class options, convenient locations, and low tuition costs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Adult Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Missouri (Kansas City)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A