University selectivity and student retention: Evidence from the IPEDS data

Main Article Content

Yue Xu
Baoqing Cheng

Keywords

ACT Score, Faculty Number, Student Retention, University Selectivity

Abstract

Using the IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary  Education Data System) Data, this project  examines: (1) the relationship between  university selectivity and student retention;  (2) whether college freshmen's ACT scores  mediate the relationship between University  selectivity and student retention; and (3)  whether average number of full-time faculty  moderates the relationship between  university selectivity and student retention.  The results suggest that: (1) university
selectivity is positively correlated with  student retention; (2) college freshmen's ACT  scores fully mediate the relationship between  University selectivity and student retention;  (3) average number of full-time faculty does  not moderate the relationship between  university selectivity and student retention.

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