Enrollment in master level programs, particularly online, have been increasing nationwide. Students enrolled in online master’s programs tend to be older and more ethnically diverse, and are likely to be balancing work, finances, and family responsibilities with their educational pursuits. These challenges have resulted in higher attrition rates and lower completion rates. This study examined the extent that 1st year retention is predicted by employer support when controlling for demographics, student background, external factors, integration/socialization, and intent to graduate. Development of an online master’s student retention model using logistic regression analysis identified four variables that significantly predict 1st year retention including, employer support, household income, overall satisfaction, and importance of graduating from the institution. Master’s students who received employer support were almost two times more likely to be retained at 1-year. Having students seek these employer benefits may lead to increased graduation rates, higher pay, and job satisfaction.

全国范围内，硕士课程，特别是在线课程的注册人数一直在增加。参加在线硕士课程的学生年龄较大，种族差异更大，并且可能在工作，财务和家庭责任与他们的教育追求之间取得平衡。这些挑战导致了更高的流失率和更低的完成率。这项研究调查了在控制人口统计学，学生背景，外部因素，融合/社会化和毕业意向时，雇主的支持会预测第一年保留率的程度。使用Logistic回归分析开发的在线硕士生留任率模型，确定了四个可以显着预测第一年留任率的变量，包括雇主的支持，家庭收入，总体满意度，和从该机构毕业的重要性。获得雇主支持的硕士生在1年内被保留的几率几乎是原来的两倍。让学生寻求这些雇主的好处可能会导致毕业率提高，薪水提高和工作满意度提高。