This article presents the results of a research project conducted with 39 adult students enrolled in a management degree completion program. The research indicates that creation of a sense of community among students in a “closed” cohort setting is a significant factor in helping adults reach their goal of getting a college degree. The data suggest that degree completion programs using a closed-cohort format, which are successful in creating perceptions of a genuine sense of community among adult students, may increase student retention rates.
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