Tracking Financial Aid and Persistence of Women, Minority, and Needy Students in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

This longitudinal research study focused on persistence and financial aid of women, underrepresented minorities, and needy students majoring in science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM) in a large, public university in a metropolitan area. Beginning in fall 1989, four consecutive freshmen cohorts (n's = 1967, 1679, 1614, and 1924, respectively) were tracked through 1996-97. SEM majors persisted and graduated at higher rates, but took longer to graduate than non-SEM majors. Women, underrepresented minorities, and needy students received more gift aid than other student populations. However, only women had lower departure rates and graduated at higher rates than other SEM student populations. Compared to non-SEM majors, gift aid for SEM majors was more likely to be awarded on the basis of merit rather than need. Average loan indebtedness increased rapidly from 1989-90 through 1996-97 for both SEM and non-SEM majors. Implications of the findings for improved institutional and federal policy are indicated, and further research on the study topics recommended.