This study examined the relationship between financial stress and student retention for post-secondary students. Data from 2014 collected at a Pacific Northwest University using The Ohio State's National Student Financial Wellness Study were used to examine the students’ reported levels of stress related to finances. Students reported the most financial stress came from their student loan debt. Data analyses showed significance between participants who reported “large” and “extreme” amounts of stress from debt and their decisions to reduce course work, drop out, and/or take a break. Although future research is needed to determine the exact relationship between financial stress and retention rates, it is important to acknowledge that financial stress influences students’ educational decisions.

本研究探讨了大专学生的经济压力与学生保留率之间的关系。2014 年太平洋西北大学使用俄亥俄州立大学的全国学生财务健康研究收集的数据用于检查学生报告的与财务相关的压力水平。学生们报告说，最大的经济压力来自他们的学生贷款债务。数据分析显示，报告“巨大”和“极端”债务压力的参与者与其减少课程作业、辍学和/或休息的决定之间存在显着性差异。尽管需要未来的研究来确定财务压力和保留率之间的确切关系，但重要的是要承认财务压力会影响学生的教育决策。