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Life Happens (Outside of College): Non-College Life-Events and Students’ Likelihood of Graduation

Author

Listed:
  • Bradley E. Cox

    (Florida State University)

  • Robert D. Reason

    (Iowa State University)

  • Samantha Nix

    (Florida State University)

  • Megan Gillman

    (Florida State University)

Abstract

Students’ lives outside of college can have dramatic effects on academic outcomes (e.g., grades, persistence, graduation). However, the manner in which students’ lives outside of college are referenced in college-effects models suggests some uncertainty among scholars as to which, and how, student experiences outside of an institution affect college student outcomes. Using longitudinal data from a racially diverse sample of 3914 students (997 White, 1051 Black, 915 Hispanic, and 951 Asian) attending 28 institutions, this study employs logistic regression models to examine relationships between three types of non-college life-events and students’ likelihood of graduation. Specifically, we examine the impact of financial disruptions, grieving a friend’s or family member’s death, and other family situations that likely cause psychological distress for students. Results suggest that major life-events are both common (i.e., affecting over 52 % of students) and consequential (i.e., negatively affecting graduation rates), thus warranting increased attention from researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • Bradley E. Cox & Robert D. Reason & Samantha Nix & Megan Gillman, 2016. "Life Happens (Outside of College): Non-College Life-Events and Students’ Likelihood of Graduation," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 57(7), pages 823-844, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reihed:v:57:y:2016:i:7:d:10.1007_s11162-016-9409-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11162-016-9409-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kristen A. Renn & Karen D. Arnold, 2003. "Reconceptualizing Research on College Student Peer Culture," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 74(3), pages 261-291, May.
    2. Ronald G. Ehrenberg & Daniel R. Sherman, 1987. "Employment While in College, Academic Achievement, and Postcollege Outcomes: A Summary of Results," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 22(1), pages 1-23.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thyden, Naomi Harada & Slaughter-Acey, Jaime & Widome, Rachel & Warren, John Robert & Osypuk, Theresa L., 2023. "Family deaths in the early life course and their association with later educational attainment in a longitudinal cohort study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 333(C).

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