A Model for Estimating Time to Degree in Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources: A University of Minnesota Case Study

This paper looks at factors affecting years to degree completion for undergraduate students as well as factors affecting retention rates - a leading indicator to the rate of degree completion. The model outlines key indicators and relationships between them that have a significant impact on the length of program for a given cohort of students. In addition the analysis will point to specific actions that impact the dependent variables described in the model. The goal is that actions taken as a result of this and other related analysis will help raise four year graduation rates by over 20%