The Role of Campus Surroundings in Student Retention: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Campus Surroundings Construct

The present study developed and examined a new construct, Campus Surroundings, in the college student retention process. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that different aspects of the campus environment might affect student retention. The three major aspects analyzed in the questionnaire included the students' satisfaction with (1) the appearance or impression of the campus, (2) the safety of the campus, and (3) specific aspects of campus life. The twenty-nine-item scale was administered by mail to 1,195 traditional freshmen at a large urban institution. Results from the 307 respondents were examined using confirmatory factor analysis and measurement model assessment. Analysis of the final measurement model revealed relatively strong support for the Campus Surroundings construct and evidence for the three hypothesized aspects. Suggestions for future development and research of the construct were made based on the results of the study.