Factors influencing freshmen retention in engineering programs

Abstract

Student retention in engineering has long been an important issue for engineering educators. Despite improved recruiting practices and expanded first year programs, students are leaving the engineering disciplines and choosing other college majors. This study examines freshmen responses to 51 questions designed to assess their attitudes and opinions regarding their first semester experience in engineering. This survey was first piloted and addresses factors of motivation, time conflicts, family support, academic preparedness, and academic progress. The database contains responses from 1060 students' responses from 2 colleges of engineering.