RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Impact of Academic Probation
JF Journal of Human Resources
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 852
OP 878
DO 10.3368/jhr.0520-10877R2
VO 59
IS 3
A1 Albert, Aaron
A1 Wozny, Nathan
YR 2024
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/59/3/852.abstract
AB Academic probation policies place restrictions on low-performing college students, incentivizing them to improve their performance or leave the program. We examine the effect of an intensive academic probation policy that includes mandatory study time. Using a regression discontinuity analysis and administrative data from the U.S. Air Force Academy, we find that placement on academic probation increases performance without increasing attrition and increases completion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. These impacts are surprising in light of research showing increased attrition and shifts towards easier course loads at other institutions, suggesting that more intensive interventions may help low-performing college students without discouraging program completion.