The Impact of a Peer Mentoring Program on Undergraduate Graduation Rates: A Matched Control Group Design

Promoting student retention and graduation rates in higher education is crucial for both individuals and institutions. Prior research has identified student support initiatives that increase retention and student success, such as Peer Mentor Programs (PMP). However, a better understanding of PMP participation outcomes for transfer and under-represented (UR) students is needed. The current study centers on a college-wide PMP at a 4-year university, targeting undergraduate students from multiple disciplines. A matched control group design was employed, comparing PMP participants with matched non-participants. The results revealed that while a positive association was found for first-year students, this association was not found among transfer students. Moreover, PMP participation significantly improved the 4-year graduation rates of UR students, showcasing the program's potential to address equity gaps. The findings encourage further exploration into program design, mechanisms of action, and the expansion of PMP to reduce achievement disparities in higher education.