Predictors of first year retention rates at the university of the West Indies, Jamaica

Abstract

This study examines first year retention rates of First degree entrants in the academic year 2014-15. Level of academic preparation was operationalized as pass/failure on the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) and matriculation status (normal/lower entry). Variables that were strong predictors of retention were scholarship status and matriculation status. Residential status proved to be statistically significant, while sex, total courses passed in high school, and English Language Proficiency status were statistically non-significant. Future studies need to examine retention of non-traditional students and predictor variables reflective of attribution theory and locus of control.