"If I go, I'll probably end up dropping out too": College enrollment choices in a free college context

Objective: In this qualitative study, we explored why students in a free community college environment in Tennessee chose not to enroll in college or dropped out of college shortly after enrolling. Methods: We conducted 27 in-depth interviews with individuals who were eligible for the Tennessee Promise. Perna’s (2006) conceptual model for college access and choice guided our analysis. We analyzed data using a three-tier approach, which included open/emergent coding, followed by a priori/theoretical analysis. Results: We identified 15 emergent themes common among interview participants, which we then categorized into the four constructs of Perna’s model. Conclusions: The Tennessee Promise increases access to and enrollment in postsecondary education for many students. Our study highlights potential gaps policymakers and practitioners can address to continue improving the Tennessee Promise and other student supports. We provide our recommendations for practice, policy, and future research.