Relationship of Special Studies to Dropout Rates of Black and White College Students

Differences between two groups of students were examined on the basis of participation (n = 73) and non-participation (n = 67) in a special studies program designed primarily to meet the needs of disadvantaged students at a selective midwestern private liberal arts college. Blacks participating in the regular school program had significantly higher dropout frequencies than did blacks in the special studies program. No significant difference in dropout frequency was found between participating and nonparticipating white students.