Student retention has garnered increased attentions in higher education. Drawing from various theoretical perspectives, researchers have developed multiple theoretical models to explain or predict student retention. Most models, however, were intended for traditional aged, full-time students at 4-year colleges or universities. The rapid growth of student enrollment at 2-year community colleges calls for further studies concerning student retention at these institutions. Built upon prior studies, I developed a conceptual framework to understand student credential completion at 2-year community colleges. Drawing data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS: 04/09) Longitudinal Study, I utilized multilevel modeling to identify variables that explain students’ likelihood of credential completion.
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