Analysis of selected factors in predicting retention of Hispanic and Anglo freshmen at Texas A&M University from 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97 /
This study was conducted to determine if a difference existed between the retention rate of Hispanic and Anglo freshmen at Texas A&M University during three consecutive academic years, 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97. Based on factors from a literature review, this study examined selected pre- an...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2002.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=764774281&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | This study was conducted to determine if a difference existed between the retention rate of Hispanic and Anglo freshmen at Texas A&M University during three consecutive academic years, 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97. Based on factors from a literature review, this study examined selected pre- and post-admission variables to conclude what effect they had on retention. The population consisted of 1,902 Hispanic and 13,497 Anglo freshmen who were graduated from Texas public high schools and enrolled in college for a first time in Texas A&M University's ten colleges. Simple retention figures for the three-year period showed that freshmen were retained at an 87% rate, with Hispanic students retained at a rate of 79%, and Anglo students retained at a rate of 89%. Logistic regression was used in the analysis to see if the difference in the rate of retention between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students would remain even after relevant variables were introduced as controls. Without controlling for other variables, Hispanic students were 52.3% less likely to be retained than their Anglo peers. When controlling for all pre- and post-admission factors, Hispanic students were 32.1% less likely to be retained than their Anglo peers. The study also revealed that high school class rank, Texas Education Agency ranking of the high school attended, taking more mathematics courses in high school, living on campus, taking Center for Academic Enhancement courses, taking a full-time course load, and taking courses from the College of Science, contributed to the likelihood of increased retention for all students. Additionally, the larger the loan load, the more likely students were to depart after the first year. Interestingly, the SAT/ACT had no significant predictive value on the likelihood of retention. Texas A&M University colleges with the best retention of Hispanic students were the College of Architecture, followed by the Dwight Look College of Engineering. The college with the least retention of Hispanic students was the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In sum, this study suggested that Texas A&M University did not retain Hispanic freshmen at a rate comparable to the retention of Anglo freshmen during the years of 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Administration". |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 217 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 158-168). |