Would it surprise you to know that more than of half of students attending a university dropout without finishing their degree?
While some schools like Columbia University and Yale have high graduation rates (99%), other universities have low graduation rates. By checking your university’s freshmen retention rates (how many freshman come back for their sophomore year), you’ll have a good idea whether your school will help you make it to graduation.
Which universities have the highest dropout rates? Let’s take a look at five low-performing schools.
Southern New Hampshire University: 61% retention rate
This university has made a tremendous comeback in the last decade, with its intense focus on getting their students graduated. Although their retention rate is low, they respond quickly to inquiries and provide standardized instruction at reduced costs. By doing so, they’ve been called the Amazon of higher ed.
If students at SNHU enroll for their sophomore year of college, their chance of graduating on time is 12.3% better than the national average.
University of Charleston: 66% retention rate
Located in Charleston, SC, this university’s first-time freshmen comprise 18% of the total freshman class. The college offers low-cost tuition, and there’s plenty to do in Charleston for entertainment when studying is over. That may not be enough, however, to keep, a significant portion of freshmen in school and on track for graduation.
Southeastern University: 67% retention rate
Although their enrollment is up, Southeastern has a 39% graduation rate and falls under the national average for retention. The low retention rate may be due to a high number of part-time students.
Brigham Young University – Idaho: 68% retention rate
Affiliated with the Church of Latter Day Saints, BYU-Idaho offers low tuition costs for a private university. Nearly 60% of the students here are part-time, which means that the workforce lures students away before they graduate. Others transfer to another university.
Southern Wesleyan University: 69% retention rate
Another private Christian school, SWU in Central, South Carolina is affordable. This university also offers an online program for undergrads. Less than 15% of the students at this university are first-time college applicants, so retention rates for various sub-populations of students may be a more appropriate indicator of college satisfaction.
Why are students dropping out?
The average retention rate for freshmen at American universities is 71.2%. A number of factors can entice students to drop out of college. In fact, students with a 2.2-3.0 GPA are the most likely to drop out of college.
Ultimately, other demands on freshmen may be forcing them to drop out of school, especially if they are not a first-time freshman. Some students find they need to join the workforce fulltime. They leave their studies, hoping to return one day.
Until that time, universities must continuously work on reducing their high retention rates.
