Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Academically At-Risk Students’ Initial Motivations and Pre-Graduation Reasons for Attending University

Boenell Kline

Mary Katherine Duncan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v25i2.2122

Keywords: at-risk students, enrollment motivations, reasons for attending university, mission of higher education

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore academically at-risk students’ initial motivations for enrolling in university, pre-graduation reasons for attending university, and perceptions of the mission of higher education. We defined academically at-risk students as those with a higher than average likelihood of not completing the baccalaureate degree. Participants included 64 undergraduate students (72% women, 40% first-generation, 52% Caucasian, Mage = 22.48 years). Responses to an online survey indicated that career/materialism (59%), personal growth (48%), opportunities/experiences (43%), and academic-intellectual growth (40%) were the most frequently reported enrollment motivations. Personal growth (67%) and career-materialism (45%) were the most commonly reported pre-graduation reasons for attending university. Additionally, the majority of participants perceived students’ personal growth (55%) to be the mission of higher education. Data may inform academic and non-academic programming aimed at maximizing academically at-risk students’ likelihood of success in higher education.