Reasons to attend college, academic success, and post-college plans

More than one third of college students in the US do not complete their college education. Through panel data methods and principal component regression analysis, this study examines the effect of different reasons for college enrollment on academic performance, educational outcomes and future planning. The findings suggest that students who attend college for individual growth are more likely to have higher grades and to pursue a graduate degree. Given that the reasons for going to college predict factors which influence withdrawal, understanding the reasons for enrollment can help identify and assist students at risk of not completing their college education.