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The Impact of Academic Probation: Do Intensive Interventions Help?

Author

Listed:
  • Aaron Albert

    (Department of Economics and Geosciences, US Air Force Academy)

  • Nathan Wozny

    (Department of Economics and Geosciences, US Air Force Academy)

Abstract

Academic probation policies place restrictions on low-performing college students, incentivizing them to improve their performance or leave the program. We examine the effect of an intensive academic probation policy that includes mandatory study time. Using a regression discontinuity analysis and administrative data from the U.S. Air Force Academy, we find that placement on academic probation increases performance without increasing attrition and increases completion of STEM degrees. These impacts are surprising in light of research showing increased attrition and shifts towards easier courseloads at other institutions, suggesting that more intensive interventions may help low-performing college students without discouraging program completion.

Suggested Citation

  • Aaron Albert & Nathan Wozny, 2022. "The Impact of Academic Probation: Do Intensive Interventions Help?," Working Papers 2022-02, Department of Economics and Geosciences, US Air Force Academy.
    • Handle: RePEc:ats:wpaper:wp2022-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Education; Attrition; Regression Discontinuity; Academic Probation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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