Exploring the Impact of Advising Frequency and Free College Scholarships on Community College Student Persistence Rates: A Racial Group Analysis

This quantitative study investigates the relationship between academic advising frequency, free college scholarships (FCS), and student persistence in a statewide community college system. Using data from more than 34,000 students, the study examines how frequent advising and FCS participation influence persistence, with particular attention to race and enrollment status. Results show that students who attended multiple advising sessions were 3.68 times more likely to persist than those without advising. Additionally, FCS recipients were 2.59 times more likely to persist than non-recipients. The combined effect of frequent advising and FCS acceptance resulted in the highest persistence rates. Race-based analysis revealed disparities, with Black and Hispanic/Latino students starting with lower persistence rates but showing significant gains from increased advising. The study highlights the importance of proactive advising and financial aid programs in supporting student success, particularly for underrecognized populations, and provides evidence-based recommendations for improving equity in community colleges.