The Relationship Between Financial Stress and College Retention Rates

The literature shows that student loan and credit card debt are concerns in the United States (Reed & Cochrane, 2013; Chen, 2014). Financial stress affects college students in many areas of life including academic performance (American Student Assistance, 2013) and overall health (Walsemann, Gee, & Gentile, 2014). The Ohio State University's National Student Financial Wellness Study was used to collect data on full-time undergraduate students at a four-year public university in the Pacific Northwest. This study aimed to determine if there is a relationship between financial stress from student loan debt, credit card debt, or the total amount of money owed, and a student's decision to reduce their class load, consider taking a break, or consider dropping out. Chi-Square results showed a significant difference between the observed and expected responses, indicating a relationship of some kind between the reported stress and decisions.Thesis (M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences) -- University of Idaho, 201