Dissertation
Investigating factors that affect new student retention rates in fully online programs at a private university in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
01 Dec 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6420
Abstract
Student retention is vital to any institution's sustainability, as it poses a significant opportunity cost when institutions must compensate for student departure through increased new student recruitment or other revenue-generating functions in order to meet financial objectives. As trends demonstrate online student population growth in conjunction with campus student population declines, institutions must evaluate and intervene to address the unique education needs of the online student population, mostly made up of adult learners. This study reviews online student retention initiatives and outcomes at a private university in Southeastern Pennsylvania, with a population of approximately 7,000-8,000 online students. Factors that contribute to online student retention were identified and investigated: in particular, demographic and academic traits of incoming students were evaluated in comparison with second and third term persistence; effects of new student coaching in their first two program terms were reviewed; and program/institutional features available to online students were reviewed to determine any significance in aiding retention rates. Best practices are identified and recommended for institutions to implement to combat low online student retention rates.
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Details
- Title
- Investigating factors that affect new student retention rates in fully online programs at a private university in Southeastern Pennsylvania
- Creators
- Valerie A. Delleville - DU
- Contributors
- Allen C. Grant (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6420; 991014632197504721