An Examination of How Participation in Basic Instruction Program (BIP) Courses May Influence College Student Retention Rates

The purpose of this study was to determine how enrollment in a basic instruction program (BIP) course may affect undergraduate student retention rates. This study examined whether enrollment in BIP courses influenced student retention of all first-time, full-time, baccalaureate degree-seeking students enrolled at a public research university during the years of 2014 and 2015 ( N = 5,565). A significant finding showed students enrolled in BIP courses during their first or second year had 1.65 greater odds of being retained after the second year. Additionally, students enrolled in BIP courses during their second year had 3.22 greater odds of second year retention. For each additional BIP course enrolled, students had 1.39 greater odds of being retained after the second year. While most institutions no longer require BIP enrollment, the findings in the current study demonstrate an association between BIP enrollment and greater odds of student retention.