What Impacts the Probability of an On-time Graduation

Presented by Melanie Marks (Department of Accounting, Economics, Finance, Real Estate and Information Systems & Cyber Security)  and Ben Yarow (Longwood Economics Major)

This study  investigates the variables that potentially impact a student’s ability to graduate in the traditional 8-semester period. Using data from all graduates in the College of Business & Economics, a data set of more than 900 students was collected. A logit analysis was conducted using a binary dependent variable (1=on time) while controlling for demographic variables (gender, financial aid recipient, first generation college, race, in-state), variables describing the student prior to entering (high school GPA, SAT, AP credits, etc.), non-academic variables related to Longwood (athlete, Greek life, time in campus housing, etc.), and academic variables (major, minor, study abroad, changes in major, etc.) Results suggest that the odds ratio is negatively impacted by being a financial aid recipient, having more changes in major, having a minor, repeating courses, and being in a fraternity. The odds ratio is positively impacted by being a transfer student and the amount of time spent in university housing.

Presenter Bios:

Melanie Marks is a Professor of Economics. She has a PhD in Economics from Texas A&M University.

Ben Yarow is a Longwood University Senior graduating with a  B.S. in Economics. He will be entering the Geico executive training program in May 2016.