Morehead State students research reasons students drop out of college
Two mathematics and space systems engineering students at Morehead State University spent the past year researching the factors that cause undergraduate students to leave their intended majors or drop out of college.
Jaden Yates (Class of 2025), a space systems engineering graduate student from Henderson, and Ethan Henderson (Class of 2026), an applied mathematics major from Olive Hill, statistically analyzed a decade of data from nearly 500 students to identify academic and nonacademic factors connected to attrition in STEM fields.
Their findings showed that academic factors, including high school grades, introductory STEM course performance, and ACT scores, were associated with attrition. Researchers also identified nonacademic factors, including low socioeconomic status and first-generation college student status, as contributing to the outcomes.
“Unfortunately, not all high schools are funded equitably. Some students lack enough access to advanced placement or dual credit classes and rigorous coursework. That makes quantitative college classes like mathematics and physics especially challenging,” Professor of Physics & Science Education Dr. Wilson González-Espada said.
He added that the transition from high school to college can be especially difficult for low-income students.
“If students must work to meet their financial needs on campus, that is less time they can invest in studying classes,” González-Espada said.
As part of the project, Yates and Henderson proposed several strategies to improve student retention in STEM majors. Many of the recommendations focused on helping incoming first-year students build learning and support communities to strengthen their sense of belonging as they navigate the transition to college and its hidden curriculum. Additional recommendations address financial barriers that may impact student success.
González-Espada and Assistant Professor of Space Systems/Astronautical Engineering Dr. Elijah Jensen served as faculty mentors for the project. During the spring semester, the students presented their research at both MSU’s Celebration of Student Scholarship and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Richmond.
“I am very proud of our students for their research efforts in this field. Their data and conclusions will allow the College of Science & Engineering to make better programmatic decisions for our incoming students,” Jensen said.
To learn more about the academic programs featured in this research, contact the Department of Engineering Sciences at 606-783-2381 or the Department of Mathematics at 606-783-9439.
How Does Morehead State Support Students Through Graduation?
Morehead State University is committed to supporting student persistence from day one through graduation. The University’s advising teams provide proactive guidance, while the Tutoring & Learning Center offers free academic support services, including tutoring, study resources and skill-building workshops. The Center for Career Development & Experiential Education helps students explore careers and develop the skills they need to succeed. Together, these initiatives help students strengthen their academic foundation, connect with campus resources, and navigate challenges, reinforcing MSU’s commitment to improving retention and student success across all majors.
