Retention of Graduate Students of Color

The intent of this study was to understand the changes that have occurred over the last 25 years in library programs as far as enrollment and diversity of students, number and ethnicity of the faculty, program income and expenses, cost of attendance, and scholarship and fellowship aid, in an effort to better understand library programs granting the MLIS degree. The study also endeavored to identify institutional factors associated with the retention and productivity rates of White students and students of color in schools of library and information science. During the period studied, the proportional representation of White students decreased. For students of color, proportional representation was stable during the same time period. Another goal was to determine which institutional factors were predictors of retention and productivity rates for students seeking the master s degree in library science. Identifying institutional factors that impact the retention of students of color in schools of library and information science may assist institutions in improving the retention rates of all students, not just domestic students of color.