The Application of a Model of Turnover in Work Organizations to the Student Attrition Process

Data measuring 14 independent variables were obtained from 854 freshmen women at a major midwestern land-grant university. Twelve determinants were expected to influence satisfaction, intent to leave, and dropout in a causal sequence. The model was estimated using path analysis and multiple regression. Nine variables were ranked by total causal effects, from high to low: intent to leave, grades, practical value, opportunity, marriage, satisfaction, campus organizations, courses, and participation (R2 = .48).