Life Happens (Outside of College): Non-College Life-Events and Students’ Likelihood of Graduation

摘要: Students’ lives outside of college can have dramatic effects on academic outcomes (e.g., grades, persistence, graduation). However, the manner in which students’ are referenced college-effects models suggests some uncertainty among scholars as to which, and how, student experiences an institution affect outcomes. Using longitudinal data from a racially diverse sample 3914 students (997 White, 1051 Black, 915 Hispanic, 951 Asian) attending 28 institutions, this study employs logistic regression examine relationships between three types non-college life-events likelihood graduation. Specifically, we impact financial disruptions, grieving friend’s or family member’s death, other situations that likely cause psychological distress for students. Results suggest major both common (i.e., affecting over 52 % students) consequential negatively graduation rates), thus warranting increased attention researchers, policy-makers, practitioners.