Factors Affecting Student Graduation Rates

Over the past few years, colleges and the United States government have become increasingly interested in raising graduation rates. This paper uses data from a survey given to students during their freshman year to analyze factors specific to an individual student that makes them more or less likely to graduate. Previous research shows that high school GPA and SAT scores are the two most statistically significant factors. In my study, I use a logit regression model to determine which factors are significant to a student’s likelihood of graduating. As with previous research I found high school GPA to be the most statistically significant. Other factors found to be statistically significant were if the student is a first-generation student, how well the student feels they can pay for their next semesters costs, the students self-reported ability to prioritize, manage their time, and take notes