College Distance From Home: Implications for Student Transfer Behavior

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Author(s): Mattern, K. D., Wyatt, J. N., & Shaw, E. J.

Citation: Mattern, K. D., Wyatt, J. N., & Shaw, E. J. (2013). College Distance From Home: Implications for Student Transfer Behavior. Journal of The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 25(1), 77-92.

 

Abstract

This study explored college distance from home, a possible contributing factor of transfer behavior. Because the distance between a student’s home and college has been found to be related negatively to social integration and positively to homesickness (i.e., Brooks & DuBois, 1995; Fisher, Murray, & Frazer, 1985; Tognoli, 2003), a positive relationship between distance and transferring was predicted. Also, researchers examined whether or not transfer students chose an institution closer to home for their second institution compared to their first. Logistic regression analysis predicting transferring showed that distance did, in fact, have a positive effect. Additionally, repeated measures ANCOVA found that transfer students did relocate to an institution closer to home. The study also includes a discussion of implications for college admission counselors who want to improve retention rates at their institutions.

 

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