The Impact of Distance Education on University Retention Rates

Emily Breit; Samuel Schreyer

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol6.iss11.1228

Authors

Emily Breit

Fort Hays State University, USA
Samuel Schreyer

Fort Hays State University, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol6.iss11.1228

Keywords:

distance education, online, retention, university, higher education

Abstract

This study uses new measures of distance education to assess the impact on retention rates at 4-year public and private non-profit universities in the U.S. We present evidence that the percent of undergraduates enrolled exclusively in distance education courses reduces a university’s freshmen retention rate, particularly for institutions with a relatively low median SAT score. We find no clear evidence of lower retention rates when undergraduates are enrolled in a combination of on-campus and distance education courses. These findings suggest increased enrollment through distance education can come at the expense of lower retention.

Author Biographies

Emily Breit, Fort Hays State University, USA

Associate Professor of Finance
Samuel Schreyer, Fort Hays State University, USA

Associate Professor of Economics

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