This report, supported by Success Boston and StriveTogether, provides a detailed analysis of factors influencing the reenrollment of students who have previously stopped out of college, focusing specifically on Boston Public School graduates. The study, involving mixed-methods research from Boston's largest public colleges, aims to understand and mitigate the barriers to college reentry and completion.
Main Takeaways:
- Prevalence of Stopping Out: A significant number of students stop out of college due to various non-academic reasons, including work obligations, personal health issues, and family care responsibilities.
- Predictors of Reenrollment: Factors that influence students' decisions to return to college include their prior academic performance, financial circumstances, and personal commitments. Students with better academic standing and those who received more financial aid were more likely to reenroll.
- Demographic Influences: The study highlights disparities in reenrollment rates among different demographic groups, with non-first-generation students showing higher reenrollment rates compared to their first-generation peers.
- Institutional Factors: The flexibility of class schedules and the availability of financial aid significantly affect students' ability to return to college. The report suggests that institutions can aid reenrollment by adjusting academic and financial policies to accommodate the needs of stopouts.
- Survey and Interview Insights: Direct feedback from students via surveys and interviews provided deeper insights into the personal and institutional barriers they face, which can inform targeted interventions to support their return to college.