Modeling College Enrollment Decision: A Case Study of the University of Arizona

The research objective is to estimate and explain the likelihood of a student enrolling at the University of Arizona. Predictors of enrollment choice are assessed through Probit models using institution-level data. These models also shed light on what can be done to improve or exceed the 36% enrollment average yield during the years 1999 to 2009 in study. Student enrollment choice is analyzed as a function of student’s state of residency, geographic regions and distance from home (e.g. resident, non-resident, West, MidWest), demographics (e.g. gender, ethnicity), student’s academic attitudes (e.g. High School GPA, SAT), high school characteristics (e.g.
public, private), and college characteristics (e.g. UA Honors). Estimates correspond with expect results on college choice based on proximity to home, cost and financial aid. For example, nonresident students are less likely to enroll than resident students and offering merit award has positive effect on enrollment choice at the University of Arizona.

Ana Cristina Unda_MastersThesis.pdf (1.62 MB)

Author(s)

Publication Date