Factors Related to Persistence among Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White Undergraduates at a Predominantly White University: Comparison between First and Fourth Year Cohorts.

A follow-up study of undergraduate student attrition at Indiana University is presented. It builds upon previous research on student attrition documenting high rates of attrition among Black and Hispanic undergraduates. It also builds upon the Conceptual Model of Black Student Attrition. One goal is to compare persisters and non-persisters within the 1982 cohort according to variables in the revised model. The current study improves upon previous research by: (1) using actual persister or non-persister status; (2) using registrar data on high school rank, Scholastic Aptitude Test or American College Test scores, and college grade point average; (3) expanding the measure of college satisfaction; (4) adding measures of intra-ethnic networking and friendship patterns on campus; and (5) increasing the sample size of Hispanic and Asian students. The comparisons are broken down by persister status within the major ethnic groups on campus: Asians, American Indians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites. A computerized list of students from which the questionnaire samples were drawn was developed. Results indicate there are two different issues, sometimes interrelated. First is the issue of student attrition and the continuing high dropout rates among Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians on campus. Second is the negative quality of campus life for ethnic minorities and strong feelings of social alienation and dissatisfaction. Satisfaction, openness, and college adjustment are important predictors of persistance among Asian, Black, and White freshmen. Tables are included. Contains 30 references. (SM)