The Route to Graduation: An Exploration of the Association between Transit Stop Proximity and Pell Recipient Completion Rates at US Commuter Colleges

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Route to Graduation: An Exploration of the Association between Transit Stop Proximity and Pell Recipient Completion Rates at US Commuter Colleges
Language: English
Authors: Matthew J. Capaldi (ORCID 0000-0002-5664-3414)
Source: Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. 2025 27(1):79-105.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 27
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Federal Aid, Grants, Proximity, Commuter Colleges, Commuting Students, Graduation Rate, Bus Transportation, Urban Environment, Data Analysis
Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: Pell Grant Program
DOI: 10.1177/15210251231156421
ISSN: 1521-0251
1541-4167
Abstract: This study explores the association between having a transit stop within walking distance of campus and Pell Grant recipient completion rates at US commuter institutions, using a novel dataset on transit stop locations and institutional level data. The findings indicate that there is a positive association between transit access and Pell completion rates at commuter colleges in urban environments, but not in non-urban environments, which aligns with theoretical expectations. This study is intended to bring the issue of transit access into the academic student retention conversation, future research is needed to explore the nature of this relationship in greater depth.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1466132
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study explores the association between having a transit stop within walking distance of campus and Pell Grant recipient completion rates at US commuter institutions, using a novel dataset on transit stop locations and institutional level data. The findings indicate that there is a positive association between transit access and Pell completion rates at commuter colleges in urban environments, but not in non-urban environments, which aligns with theoretical expectations. This study is intended to bring the issue of transit access into the academic student retention conversation, future research is needed to explore the nature of this relationship in greater depth.
ISSN:1521-0251
1541-4167
DOI:10.1177/15210251231156421