As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, students and society are increasingly questioning the value of a college degree.
With rising tuition costs, concerns about student loan debt, and the changing demands of the workforce, many students and their families are unsure whether the return on investment for a college education is worth it. This environment has made Bean’s Retention Theory more relevant than ever, offering a framework that is increasingly important for academic advisors and student affairs professionals to understand.
While Tinto’s and Spady’s models of retention have been foundational in the field, Bean’s model, introduced in 1980, takes a slightly different approach that resonates with the current higher education climate.
Bean’s theory suggests that student persistence is influenced not only by academic and social integration but also by the student’s perception of the value of their education. This shift in focus addresses the rising questions about the utility of higher education, making Bean’s model especially relevant today.
A Primer on Bean's Retention Theory
Bean’s student attrition model incorporates key concepts of employee turnover in the workplace. According to Bean, students and employees leave their organizations for similar reasons. Students, much like employees, are more likely to leave college if they perform a cost-benefit analysis and decide the costs of staying at the college outweigh the benefits.
As Vincent Tinto confirmed, “Withdrawal mirrors, in effect, the person’s decision that further attendance would not be in his/her own best interests.” These costs may include grades, perceived personal and academic development, institutional quality, and practical value, suggesting a student must see a natural fit between themself and the college.
Upon arriving at college, a student starts interacting with employees and other students. One interaction at a time, whether with people, classes, or experiences, the student is self-assessing their institutional fit and engaging in an ongoing cost-benefit analysis. These self-assessments help students connect their experiences at the institution with their general attitudes about college. In psychology, attitudes lead to intentions, and intentions lead to behaviors. In short, leaving college is a behavior that starts with attitudes formed over a period of time. [Additional Reading: 5 Ways Advisors Can Use Online Tools to Help Undecided Students]
For example, a student may be:
Self-assessing the overall quality of the institution, including its employees, facilities, academic offerings, student life, advising, housing, food quality, and more. If a student develops an attitude that the college they’re attending is below a certain level of quality, it becomes a threat to their continued enrollment.
Does a student feel like they are getting their money’s worth? A student may be willing to spend a high amount on tuition if they assess the benefits will match or outweigh the cost. Paying more may be accepted if they feel they are getting value for it, whether it's at the college and/or after graduation.
A student is self-assessing their own development as a person and as a learner. If the student feels they are not developing as they hoped, whether it's academically, socially, or professionally, they may feel that staying at the college is costing them more than benefiting them.
In today’s climate, where students are rethinking the value of higher education, this shift toward personal alignment and return on investment makes Bean’s theory a powerful tool for understanding retention.
Why Bean’s Theory is Crucial Today
In the past few decades, the challenges facing higher education have evolved. Students are now more likely to view their education through a cost-benefit lens, asking questions such as, “Is this degree worth the investment?” and “How will this education help me achieve my career goals?” Bean’s theory places a heavy emphasis on student satisfaction and the alignment between the student and their institution, which is a direct response to the current climate of skepticism around higher education.
Today’s students are navigating more distractions than ever—financial stress, changing career goals, and a desire for educational experiences that align with their personal values. Institutions are facing increasing pressure to not only provide academic programs but also create a holistic experience that supports students' evolving needs. In this context, Bean’s model becomes an invaluable guide for college services and student success professionals working to help students find meaning, purpose, and alignment in their education.
Strategies for Academic Advisors
Given the growing importance of Bean’s Retention Theory, here are several strategies for academic advisors to consider:
1. Emphasize the Student’s Personal Goals and Values
Strive to understand students' long-term career aspirations, personal goals, and values. This can help ensure that students are pursuing an academic path that resonates with their deeper motivations. Help them see how their studies align with their personal and professional values, which may increase their commitment to their goals.
2. Ensure a Good “Fit” Between Student and Institution
Make sure students feel they belong at their institution by exploring their experiences with campus culture, academic programs, and available support services. Taking time to ask a blunt question like, “Are you feeling like this is the right school for you?” can lead to a revealing response. Understanding and enhancing their sense of institutional fit is key to persisting.
3. Encourage the Development of Social Support Networks
Social support plays a major role in retention. Persistently encourage students to build relationships with faculty, peers, and staff. Engage students in campus communities and suggest mentorship programs that connect students with others who can provide guidance, support, a sense of belonging, and encouragement throughout their academic journey.
4. Regular Check-ins and Feedback
Check in with students regularly to discuss their academic experience and address any concerns. This proactive approach allows students to voice any challenges they may face early on, giving you the opportunity to help them course-correct before they become major obstacles. If you have a large caseload and regular personal check-ins are hard to manage, leverage technology such as text messaging and emails to check in and reinforce that your door is always open.
Conclusion
Bean’s Retention Theory provides an insightful framework for understanding why students choose to stay or leave an institution, especially in an era of increasing scrutiny of higher education.
By focusing on the alignment between a student’s goals, values, and experience at the institution, Bean’s theory offers a lens through which academic advisors can support students and improve retention.
