THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL RESOURCES ON COLLEGE PERSISTENCE AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Abstract

This study examines the influence of personal resources on educational attainment. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, this study analyzes the educational outcomes of 1992 graduates who enrolled in a 4-year college or university immediately after high school. Using logistic regression, this study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) Do personal resources influence educational outcomes, net of important background characteristics?; (2) Do these resources affect men and women differently?; and (3) Do these resources affect minority students differently? Results indicate that, net of other important background characteristics, personal resources as measured by respondent's aspirations, advanced math taking, and SAT/ACT preparation efforts, significantly influence educational outcomes. However, they have stronger effects on degree completion than persistence. The effects of advanced math courses on degree attainment are significantly stronger for women. SAT/ACT preparation and seeking help with college admissions yields significantly different results for some racial/ethnic groups.