Taking Longer, but Finishing Just as Strong: A Comparison of Pell and Non-Pell Study Abroad Participants' GPA and Time-to-Graduation

Abstract

Researchers compared Pell eligible and non Pell eligible undergraduate students’ pre study abroad GPA and graduation GPAs and time to graduation. The results indicated a longer time to graduation for Pell eligible students. However, Pell eligible students who had studied abroad graduated with comparable GPAs to their non Pell study abroad peers four and six years post matriculation. The results suggest that study abroad did not create an undue burden that impeded the success of students from low income households. We discuss implications for funding priorities, university development offices, and study abroad advising.