Exploring Characteristics of Retained First-Year Students Enrolled in Non-Proximal Distance Learning Programs:

This study explored pre- and post-admission characteristics of retained first-year students enrolled in non-proximal distance learning programs within public, 2-year colleges. Five pre-admission and six post-admission characteristics were explored. The sample for this study consisted of 197 first-year students enrolled in non-proximal distance learning programs from among five, public, 2-year colleges in Virginia. A quantitative data collection method was used in this exploratory study. Data analysis revealed that a majority of participants: (1) were non-traditional-aged White females, with a high GPA and experience with technology; (2) were employed on a full-time basis and had dependent children; (3) had a high school and college GPA of above 3.0; (4) believed the institutional academic advising system was more than adequate; (5) noted that commitment to the institution and graduation were important; and (6) had access to technology.