Understanding retention in US graduate programs by student nationality

The purpose of this study is to better understand the differences in selected retention constructs by student nationality in US graduate programs. Surveys administered at four universities across the United States during fall 2010 resulted in responses from 685 PhD students from six international regions. Using univariate ANOVA, responses were analyzed to characterize demographic differences in participant responses to constructs related to intention to complete the degree. Five constructs were found to be both statistically and practically significant relative to students' degree completion; these were: expectations, individual preferences, perception of value, project ownership, and climate. Post hoc pairwise comparisons highlight differences in specific nationality groups. Results are explored in light of existing retention literature, and implications for graduate programs or other fields with similar levels of international diversity are offered.