Date of Award
Summer 8-1-2021
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
Copyright
Hannah C. Harrison 2021
Recommended Citation
Harrison, Hannah, "Boosting Degree Attainment: A Mixed Methods Examination of an Adult Degree Completion Initiative" (2021). Dissertations. 1901.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1901