"This groundbreaking book offers a compendium on college student persistence that bridges the gap between concept, theory, and research to successful practice. The book is anchored by the American College Testing organization's What Works in Student Retention survey of 1,100 colleges and universities, which provides insights on the causes of attrition and identifies retention interventions most likely to enhance student persistence. It also includes decision-makers and practitioners with evidence-based interventions and best practices for improving student persistence"- What really works in student retention? Increasing Persistence offers a compendium on college student persistence that bridges the gaps between theory, research, and successful practice. Anchored by ACT, Inc. PrefaceAuthorsAcknowledgmentsSection 1: What Do We Know About Retention and Persistence to Degree?1 Defining, Refining Perspectives on Student Success2 Overview of Theoretical Perspectives on Student SuccessSection 2: The Case for Intensified Campus Efforts3 The Demographic Challenge4 Public and Private Benefits of College5 Retention or Recruitment: Examining the Return on InvestmentSection 3: Core Components of Student Success6 Institutional Culture and Student Engagement7 Academic Preparation8 Psychosocial Characteristics9 Career Development10 Assessing the Impact of Academic, Psychosocial, Career DevelopmentSection 4: Proven Student Success Practices11 Historical Perspective on What Works in Student Retention12 Assessment and Course Placement13 Development Education Initiatives14 Academic Advising15 First-Year Transition ProgramsSection 5: Making Student Success a Priority16 Expanding the Retention Framework: Implications for Public and Institutional Policy17 Creating a Student Success Culture18 Leading the Campus to Student SuccessAppendicesA What Works in Student Retention, 2004 SurveyB What Works in Student Retention, 2010 SurveyReferences