Student Engagement and Academic Success in Veterans' Post-Secondary Education

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to investigate whether the level of engagement, as measured by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) correlates with veterans’ academic success as measured by cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Participants were senior college students, at a four-year urban public university who completed the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The design compared two years that the survey was administered, 2011 and 2013. The NSSE was also used to examine differences in perception among veterans, nontraditional and traditional students. Based on the quantitative analysis it was determined that the more engaged veterans are the better their GPA. While there was no statistical significance, there were positive correlations for veterans between GPA and their relationships with students, faculty, and administrative personnel in the 2011 sample; the 2013 sample showed a negative correlation. The analysis also determined that perceptions in quality of interaction with faculty, advisors, and administration changed from 2011 to 2013. Additionally, perceptions of veterans showed they felt the campus was supportive in 2011, however did not feel the same in 2013. The results of this quantitative study provide higher education institutions and researchers additional insight into which areas of their university services need attention in order to assist in the academic success of student veterans.