Pre-Entry Attributes as Predictors of Attrition Rates for First-Generation College Students

ABSTRACT

This study examined the pre-entry attributes with the greatest influence on predicted attrition within First-Generation College Students’ first year. Researchers chose nonexperimental quantitative ex post facto research design using archival data. A binary logistic regression was used to examine the predictive effect of key pre-entry attributes on students’ (n = 1,589) likelihood of attrition. High-school grade point average, age at the time of enrollment, race, and beginning cohort term were significant predictors of attrition during a student’s first year. This information may inform administrators of the students more likely to leave the institution and assist in allocating limited resources strategically.  

KEYWORDS:

• First-Generation
• college
• pre-entry attributes
• predictors
• attrition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).