The Relationship Between Graduate Student Attitudes and Attrition

Abstract

Although much is known about undergraduate student attrition in the United States, very little is known about graduate student attrition. In this study, researchers sought to identify a set of personal variables to predict graduate student attrition, emphasizing variables that universities can influence. The results indicated that in this sample, graduate student attitudes and intentions were significant factors in attrition: Intent to remain, affective commitment, met expectations, and need for achievement were important predictors of attrition 18 months later.