Student Resources and Retention Among Transgender and Nonbinary College Students

Abstract

Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) college students are more likely to drop out of college than their cisgender peers. While robust previous literature has focused on individually experienced stressors, this paper looks at the structural supports offered by the institution. One hundred and fifty-four TNB college students were asked about the resources available on their campuses, their sense of safety on campus, and whether they intended to drop out of college. Campus resources and supports were associated with a greater sense of safety, and in turn, less of a desire to drop out of college. Some resources such as a nondiscrimination policy that includes gender identity, LGBTQ+ student organizations, all-gender bathrooms, an LGBTQ+ resource center, and a policy allowing nonlegal name changes on official documents were more frequently reported by participants as available, while other resources such as gender inclusive housing and appropriate health services were perceived as less available. However, there was wide variability in the availability of resources. The present study suggests that TNB inclusion policies and practices should be of high priority for higher education institutions.