The Effect of an Honors College on Retention among First Year Students
Saved in:
| Title: | The Effect of an Honors College on Retention among First Year Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jarzombek, Molly J., McCuistion, Kimberly J., Bain, Steve F., Guerrero, Dolores, Wester, David B. |
| Source: | Research in Higher Education Journal. Nov 2017 33. |
| Availability: | Academic and Business Research Institute. 147 Medjool Trail, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081. Tel: 904-435-4330; e-mail: editorial.staff@aabri.com; Web site: http://www.aabri.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2017 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education |
| Descriptors: | Honors Curriculum, School Holding Power, College Freshmen, Program Effectiveness, Outcome Measures, Institutional Characteristics, First Generation College Students, Student Characteristics, High Achievement, Hispanic American Students |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| ISSN: | 1941-3432 |
| Abstract: | The Honors College at Texas A&M University-Kingsville was established in 2010. At that time, student retention rate at Texas A&M-Kingsville was at 56%, one of the lowest rates in Texas. In an effort to determine if the establishment of the Honors College on campus has made a positive impact on First Time In College (FTIC) student retention rates, data on all FTIC students between 2005 and 2014 was collected, which included: ethnicity (Hispanic/nonHispanic), first generation/non-first generation, ACT/SAT scores, if the student participated in the Honors College or not during their first year, and if the student was retained to the sophomore year at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Results indicate that the Honors College has had a positive impact on retention rates of FTIC students in the Honors College compared to the general student population. Retention rates since 2010 have increased for the entire university, with a retention rate of 69% for all FTIC students in the 2014 cohort. On average, the Honors College improved retention rates for Honors College students 25% compared to the general student population, 27% for first generation students, and 26% for Hispanic students. Likewise, the Honors College improved retention rates for Honors College students 11.5% compared to students on campus who could have joined the Honors College given their SAT/ACT scores. The results of this study show that the Honors College has had a positive impact at a rural, Hispanic Serving Institution and could serve as a model for other universities with similar student demographics to help boost retention rates of high-achieving students. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 16 |
| Entry Date: | 2017 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1161500 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The Honors College at Texas A&M University-Kingsville was established in 2010. At that time, student retention rate at Texas A&M-Kingsville was at 56%, one of the lowest rates in Texas. In an effort to determine if the establishment of the Honors College on campus has made a positive impact on First Time In College (FTIC) student retention rates, data on all FTIC students between 2005 and 2014 was collected, which included: ethnicity (Hispanic/nonHispanic), first generation/non-first generation, ACT/SAT scores, if the student participated in the Honors College or not during their first year, and if the student was retained to the sophomore year at Texas A&M-Kingsville. Results indicate that the Honors College has had a positive impact on retention rates of FTIC students in the Honors College compared to the general student population. Retention rates since 2010 have increased for the entire university, with a retention rate of 69% for all FTIC students in the 2014 cohort. On average, the Honors College improved retention rates for Honors College students 25% compared to the general student population, 27% for first generation students, and 26% for Hispanic students. Likewise, the Honors College improved retention rates for Honors College students 11.5% compared to students on campus who could have joined the Honors College given their SAT/ACT scores. The results of this study show that the Honors College has had a positive impact at a rural, Hispanic Serving Institution and could serve as a model for other universities with similar student demographics to help boost retention rates of high-achieving students. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1941-3432 |
