Supportive Programs and Financial Aid: Measuring Their Impact on Retention of Blacks and Latinx College Students in the New England Region

Abstract

Enrollment in U.S. Higher Educational Institutions has declined over the last decade. Research on student retention suggests that the type of financial aid offered is related to student retention, as does the number of student support programs offered to students from different demographic backgrounds. Is there evidence that these factors are associated with student retention levels in the New England Region? We performed a T-test and Regression Analysis to examine these questions. Results provide evidence that need-based aid and the number of student support programs are positively associated with retention levels for Blacks, Latinx, and White students in this region.