The Influence of Institutional and Student Factors on GPA and Graduation Rates at Iowa State University
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2025-05
Authors
Mestery, Halle
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Basnet, Man
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Abstract
This research project examined how various institutional and student-related factors influence GPA and graduation outcomes at Iowa State University. The goal was to better understand which elements most significantly impact student success and retention. The data collection involved analyzing student data, incorporating demographic, academic, and enrollment-related variables. Through data cleaning, exploration, and modeling, there were key trends identified and patterns that contribute to academic performance and graduation likelihood. Multiple machine learning techniques including Random Forest, Regression, and Decision Tree were applied to assess predictive power and uncover meaningful insights. The project also explored unsupervised learning such as K-Means to identify natural groupings within the student population. Results highlighted several influential factors, including academic standing, residency status, and type of admission. The findings provide valuable information that can support university initiatives aimed at improving student support services, retention efforts, and academic advising. This project demonstrated the power of data analytics in higher education and offered a foundation for future research into targeted interventions that can enhance student outcomes.
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