ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews theories of college student retention, persistence, and success proposed since the publication of the Braxton et al. book Rethinking College Student Retention. It begins with a brief review of theories historically used to study college student retention, followed by a discussion of Braxton et al.’s revised theories of student persistence at residential and commuter colleges and universities. The chapter offers a review and analysis of recently proposed theories of college student retention, persistence, and success. Cultural capital plays an important role in the Braxton et al. theory. Motivational momentum speaks to the “development of aspirations, mindsets, perseverance, and agency that allow community college students to stay on track of their educational journey despite setbacks and counter-momentum”. The chapter ends with recommendations for future theory development and suggestions for how practitioners and policymakers can utilize college student retention theory.
