Identifying student retention patterns using GIS technology

Geographic information systems (GIS) have been used successfully by personnel in government, business, and industry to map natural resource data, determine socioeconomic boundaries, and manage fleet routing activities. The diverse applications of GIS have made its use attractive to people in many professions. However, educators have not used this technological tool as extensively even though they acquire a large amount of student data. Similar to business owners, it is helpful for administrators in higher education to understand their student/customer base in order to meet their needs and retain them. The author obtained student addresses at both a Midwestern and Western university and mapped them onto a GIS system. Spatial analysis was used to determine whether there were geographic differences among students who dropped out of school, remained enrolled, or successfully graduated within six years of matriculation. Differences were found among the student groups. Geographic distance did not make a difference for dropouts or graduates. However, living near the universities was significant for students who remained in school. Proximity to classes is important for many students to continue their education and ultimately graduate. Additional research using GIS can assist educators in finding off-site campus locations near the greatest concentration of students.