Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of the study was to determine the actual attrition rate during one academic year at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, among newly admitted students and to focus on the reasons why these students did not return. Research Methodology. Two tailed tests were used to determine significant differences among groups of students utilizing the student data base as a source. The data from a student questionnaire were subjected to a Chi Square statistical analysis and cross tabulations were generated to determine significant differences in the responses among selected groups of students. Findings. (1) The attrition rate for Transfer students was higher than for First Time Freshmen. The overall attrition rate for the subjects of this study was the same as the national average for all universities and colleges. (2) Only a small percentage of the subjects in this study were disqualified (3.64% FTF and 4.16% Transfers). Although a high number of the subjects in this study are considered to be voluntary withdrawals (approximately 22.0%), the data support the hypothesis that many left because they were not performing well academically. The data indicate that approximately 1/2 of the non-persisters in this study did not leave because they were concerned with grades. (3) The students who did not return have a high regard for the academic reputation of the institution. (4) The students who did not return were critical of the lack of academic counseling and advising they received. They were also critical of the lack of teacher contact outside the classroom and teaching in general. They also indicated lack of financial aid as a reason for not returning. (5) Minority students reported more concern for family, personal and situational problems than caucasian students. (6) The students in the study who responded to the questionnaire exhibited strong goal commitment and institution commitment. Implications. Institutions of higher education interested in decreasing student attrition and increasing student retention may use the results of this study or create similar studies to generate data on which to develop programs with student retention as a goal.