Retaining First-Year Nontraditional Online Higher Education Students: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Research suggests that complex factors contribute to first-year student retention and successful degree completion in online higher educational institutions. The availability of support may develop students’ self-confidence, strengthen self-efficacy, promote self-directed learning, and improve performance and retention. This qualitative, exploratory case study explores how online higher education institutions may improve the retention of nontraditional online students. Since Tinto and Cullen’s (1973) model addressed the experiences of on-campus students, its applicability to the online environment is limited. The results have universality for the global community of online higher education institutions and may contribute to a comprehensive attrition model designed specifically for online learning.
Source: The Journal of Educators Online
Institution: University of Phoenix
Language: English
Topic: Online and Blended Learning
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214905976