TDNet Discover

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of student retention strategies outlined in the strategic plans of community colleges in New Jersey. For the utility of this study, effective retention strategies were defined as recurring patterns that help students stay engaged, persistent, and successful in college. Grounded in Tinto’s model of student integration and Astin’s theory of student involvement, this study explored how institutional planning supports academic and social integration to improve student outcomes. Using a qualitative document analysis design, strategic plans were systematically examined to identify patterns in institutional strategies. Data were gathered from publicly accessible strategic planning documents published on institutional websites. This study aimed to answer two central research questions: “How do the strategic plans of select community colleges in New Jersey address student retention rates?” and “What patterns in retention strategies emerge from the strategic plans of select community colleges in New Jersey?” The findings contribute to the understanding of how institutional planning aligns with theoretical frameworks by highlighting how community colleges in New Jersey prioritize themes such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Student Engagement, and Financial Support within their strategic plans to strengthen academic and social integration, ultimately supporting student retention in both online and traditional learning environments.