Persistence and Completion Rates of Community College Students: The Impact of Receptivity to Social Engagement Scores Compared to Recorded Cocurricular Activity

This study examined the relationship between Ruffalo Noel Levitz College Student Inventory Receptivity to Social Engagement scores and the persistence and completion of community college students. The Ruffalo Levitz College Student Inventory assesses student receptivity to institutional support services. Receptivity scores indicate a student's willingness to accept help in areas such as academic support and social engagement as well as career and financial guidance. This research explored the impact of documented cocurricular involvement, measured through student activities indicators, on persistence and completion outcomes. Using ex post facto data and binary logistic regression analyses, the research focused on three populations at a suburban community college in New York State: all incoming students, Pell Grant recipients, and male Pell Grant recipients of color. The results indicated RSE scores were not significantly associated with persistence or completion for any group. However, documented cocurricular involvement demonstrated a significant positive association with both outcomes. These findings suggest actual participation in cocurricular activities, rather than receptivity to engagement, strongly supports student success. The study highlights the importance of fostering authentic engagement experiences that cultivate belonging, particularly for students from historically underserved populations. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.