Director, Institutional Research Evaluation & Planning Delta State University, United States
Session Abstract: This study examines the impact of socioeconomic factors on on-time graduation rates using geospatial data analysis. We investigate 23 statistical indices measuring socioeconomic, demographic, healthcare, and crime exposure conditions at the census tract level of students' geographic locations. The research utilizes a dataset of 8.500 students across multiple cohorts from a 4-yr public research university with over 50% of students of color. A mixed-level logistic regression model is employed to distinguish between student-level, academic program, and census tract-level effects on on-time graduation rates. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how contextual factors influence student outcomes. Our findings reveal significant correlations between socioeconomic indicators and graduation rates. Notably, factors such as neighborhood income and education levels, healthcare access, and crime rates yield actionable findings to enhance student recruitment and support.
Keywords: Student Retention, Graduation, Environmental Influences, Dashboards, Mixed-Level Regression, AI
