Effect of International Roommates on College Outcomes: Evidence from Students of Disadvantaged Backgrounds
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| Title: | Effect of International Roommates on College Outcomes: Evidence from Students of Disadvantaged Backgrounds |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Hsin-Ta Andre Tsai (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational Policy. 2026 40(1):41-70. |
| 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: | 30 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Higher Education, Foreign Students, Peer Relationship, Low Income Students, Disadvantaged, Grade Point Average, School Holding Power, School Policy, College Housing, College Freshmen, Academic Persistence, Graduation Rate, Student Diversity, Outcomes of Education |
| Geographic Terms: | Kentucky |
| DOI: | 10.1177/08959048251315481 |
| ISSN: | 0895-9048 1552-3896 |
| Abstract: | College policies may support intentional cross-cultural interactions among peers. This study examines the impact of having an international roommate on the college outcomes of domestic U.S. students. Using institutional data on more than 6,600 U.S. students from a selective liberal arts college that serves low-income individuals, our analysis demonstrates the positive effects of being paired with an international roommate on U.S. students' first-year GPA, subsequent GPAs, and second-year retention. However, our findings show no significant effects on graduation rates or retention rates beyond the second year. These findings point to the potential benefits of deliberate organizational and institutional policies to facilitate interactions among individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BR6ZQ |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1490830 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | College policies may support intentional cross-cultural interactions among peers. This study examines the impact of having an international roommate on the college outcomes of domestic U.S. students. Using institutional data on more than 6,600 U.S. students from a selective liberal arts college that serves low-income individuals, our analysis demonstrates the positive effects of being paired with an international roommate on U.S. students' first-year GPA, subsequent GPAs, and second-year retention. However, our findings show no significant effects on graduation rates or retention rates beyond the second year. These findings point to the potential benefits of deliberate organizational and institutional policies to facilitate interactions among individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0895-9048 1552-3896 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/08959048251315481 |
