Eggers, Shanna K.
Abstract:
The focus of this study was an investigation of the impact of TRIO Student Support Services supplemental grant aid on the persistence, 6-year degree completion, time to graduation, and loan debt burden outcomes on grant aid recipients. The study was conducted using a quantitative analysis of archival data from a regional public university. The sample (n = 373) included recipients of SSS grant aid and eligible non-recipients. Chi-square tests of independence were conducted to analyze the variables of persistence and 6-year completion outcomes. Independent samples t tests were conducted to analyze the variables of time to degree and loan debt burden. Results of the analyses indicated that recipients of grant aid recipients are more likely to persist and graduate within six years, graduate in fewer semesters, and complete college with less loan debt than comparable non-recipients.