Date of Award

Summer 8-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

Committee Chair

Dr. Dale L. Lunsford

Committee Chair School

Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

Committee Member 2

Dr. Heather M. Annulis

Committee Member 2 School

Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

Committee Member 3

Dr. H. Quincy Brown

Committee Member 3 School

Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

Committee Member 4

Dr. John J. Kmiec Jr.

Committee Member 4 School

Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

Abstract

Higher education has increased its focus to national degree attainment, especially among adults who have some college education (Hardin, 2008; Nettles, 2017). Research from these entities identifies future economic growth and the strength of the United States economy requires a more highly educated society (Carnevale & Rose, 2014). As a result, Federal and institutional initiatives seek ways to increase the retention rates of current students while also incentivizing students to return to school to complete their degrees (Markle, 2015). A review of the related literature identified economic and social benefits exist for individuals who obtain a postsecondary degree (Chan, 2016).

This mixed methods study examines educational attainment through an adult degree completion initiative and seeks to determine its tangible and intangible benefits for the individuals participating in the initiative. A survey was utilized to collect both the quantitative and qualitative data required to answer the research objectives. The survey consisted of 24 questions and was distributed to 2,115 graduates of an adult degree completion initiative. Findings from this study emphasize the financial impact of degree attainment for the participants. Findings also suggest that the participants achieved other work-related and social benefits beyond a monetary value. Future research considerations include incorporating technical certificates to compare with 2-year and 4-year degrees.

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3668-3520

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