Education Commons^™

Examining Factors Influencing Attrition At A Small, Private, Selective Liberal Arts College, Ann M. Gansemer-Topf, Yi (Leaf) Zhang, Cameron C. Beatty, Scott Paja

Cameron C. Beatty, Ph.D.

Despite a diverse body of literature on college student retention, studies focusing on small, private, selective liberal arts colleges are limited. This study utilized a mixed methodology beginning with logistic regression analyses and followed with a qualitative inquiry that included interviews with students who had not persisted. While variables impacting persis- tence at selective institutions may differ from other types of institutions, the role of student affairs in student success remains critical.