What is Higher Education Theory

This chapter focuses on evaluating research on initiatives or programs to promote academic achievement among diverse learners at the university-level. It begins by reviewing data on the growth of college enrollment of under-represented students, particularly in the context of factors that motivate or impede diverse students to be successful in their college degree programs. It then discusses and evaluates research on the interventions or programs that have been developed to increase enrollment, retention, and ultimately graduation, particularly among under-represented students. Implications for future institutional research, educational practice, and policy recommendations in higher education are discussed.