Attrition, Completion, and Graduation Rates in Georgia Technical Colleges Before and After the Initiation of the HOPE Grant

Two groups of students enrolled in Georgia technical college diploma programs were studied: one group matriculated in fall 1992 (n=9,463) and a second group matriculated in fall 1997 (n=12,467). Z-scores and logistic regression were used to determine differences and relationships in attrition, completion, and graduation rates before and after the initiation of the HOPE (Helping Outstanding Students Educationally) scholarship program. Attrition and completion rates were greater after the initiation of the HOPE grant, while the graduation rate was less. The attrition and completion rates were also higher for students who received the HOPE grant compared to students who received need-based financial aid. Logistic regression analysis illustrated that students were less likely to leave school in 1992 than in 1997, and part-time students were more likely to be completers than full-time students. Students were less likely to be completers in 1992, but more likely to graduate in 1992 than in 1997. When controlling statistically for all independent variables, 50% of the change in attrition rates and 37% of the change in decreasing graduation rates occurred after the initiation of HOPE in 1997.