Factors impacting retention among African American students at Mississippi State University

Abstract

African American retention is low at the college level, especially at Predominantly White Institutions. Factors such as resources, support systems, aggressions, and racism impact African American enrollment and graduation. Mississippi State University has low enrollment and retention rates for African American students, despite programs in place to increase these rates. This research uses anthropological methods to explore the experiences and knowledge of resources among African American students at Mississippi State University. Results indicate that the programs meant to combat low retention rates are ranked low and not widely known by participants. Understanding this will help increase effectiveness of retention programs at Mississippi State University and policies that create safe and welcoming campuses and promote diversity and inclusion.