title: Predictors of Bachelor's Degree Completion among Rural Students at Four-Year Institutions.
abstract: Using the National Education Longitudinal Study, this study explored various factors that predicted bachelor's degree attainment among rural youth attending a four-year institution. Results showed that Hispanic origin, family income, parental educational expectations, the rigor of the high school curriculum, timing and intensity of college enrollment, and participation in Greek social clubs were significant predictors. Gender, parental education, family structure, number of siblings, institutional features of college first attended, and participation in intramural athletics and student government were insignificant predictors. We discussed similarities and differences between rural and metro students in factors predicting bachelor's degree completion.
authors.affiliation: National Research Center on Rural Education Support, 100 E. Franklin St., Suite 200, CB# 8115, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-8115. sybyun@email.unc.edu ; ;
authors.forename: Soo-Yong
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Byun
authors.affiliation: National Research Center on Rural Education Support, 100 E. Franklin St., Suite 200, CB# 8115, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-8115. mirvin@email.unc.edu ; ;
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Irvin
authors.affiliation: School of Education and National Research Center on Rural Education Support, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3500, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3500. meece@email.unc.edu ; ;
authors.forename: Judith L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Meece