National Student Clearinghouse and Open Architects Partner to Enable Visibility Into Postsecondary Performance

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National Student Clearinghouse and Open Architects Partner to Enable Visibility Into Postsecondary Performance

Open Architects’ Integration of StudentTracker^® Allows District and School Leaders to Explore Trends, Increase College Completion Rates, and Analyze Program Impact

HERNDON, VA – (NOVEMBER 19, 2024) – The National Student Clearinghouse and Open Architects (OA) today announced a partnership that has enabled the Clearinghouse’s StudentTracker^® for High Schools service to be integrated with Open Architects’ analytics platform. This integration by Open Architects, a leading provider of custom-built data visualization tools for K-12 schools, provides high school counselors and administrators with real-time visibility to support and analyze postsecondary success.

Open Architects’ analytics platform integrates data from student information, assessment, behavior, and special education systems into intuitively designed dashboards and data tools that allow educators to find insights and take action. Open Architects offers turnkey service and affordable licensing so that any district – regardless of size or technical staffing – can benefit from the latest technologies that seamlessly integrate student, finance, and HR data. With this new integration, insights from StudentTracker^® for High Schools extend visibility longitudinally into students’ progress after graduation and degree completion, as well as the factors during high school that correlate with postsecondary success.

“District and school leaders don’t have time to search disparate data systems with dated information when they need to address student performance, attendance, and application needs now,” said Seth Racine, CEO and co-founder of Open Architects. “This partnership with the National Student Clearinghouse will enhance our analytics platform to provide new insights into postsecondary success.”

Said Marlowe Johnson, Managing Director of Learner Insights at the National Student Clearinghouse, “We are excited about the potential of the partnership with Open Architects to deepen connections between secondary and postsecondary institutions in ways that can benefit students academically and financially.”

The StudentTracker^® integration with National Student Clearinghouse is now available for all of Open Architects’ high school and school district customers, empowering them to harness the full potential of their student data and drive impactful outcomes. For more information about this integration or to schedule a demo, contact Open Architects.

About Open Architects

Massachusetts-based Open Architects (OA) provides custom-built data visualization tools to give school and district leaders the information they need to find insights and take action. OA’s analytics platform seamlessly integrates student, finance, and HR data. OA’s dashboards and reporting tools offer real-time insights into student performance, resource allocation, and operational efficiency. OA is dedicated to helping districts achieve their goals through the power of data and currently serves over 200 district partners. Learn more at www.openarchitectsk12.com.

About the National Student Clearinghouse^®

The National Student Clearinghouse, a nonprofit formed in 1993, is the trusted source for and the leading provider of higher education verifications and electronic education record exchanges. Besides working with nearly 3,600 postsecondary institutions in meeting their compliance needs, the Clearinghouse also provides thousands of high schools and districts with continuing collegiate enrollment, progression, and completion statistics on their alumni. For more details, visit  studentclearinghouse.org.

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Undergraduate Enrollment Showing Signs of Second Straight Year of Growth

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Undergraduate Enrollment Showing Signs of Second Straight Year of Growth

Despite Overall Growth, Early Data Indicates Freshmen Enrollment Declining 5% This Fall

HERNDON, VA – (OCTOBER 23, 2024) – Enrollment in undergraduate programs is up 3% in early reporting this fall compared to similar early data from fall 2023, indicating a second straight year of undergraduate enrollment growth, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s latest report.

Despite the overall undergraduate growth, the  Stay Informed report (with the latest enrollment information) for fall 2024 shows that freshman enrollment is declining, down 5% in this preliminary data from the same time last fall, with public and private nonprofit four-year institutions seeing the largest declines (-8.5% and -6.5%). An almost 6% drop in the number of 18-year-old freshmen (a proxy for those enrolling immediately after high school graduation) accounts for most of the decline.

Growth in undergraduate enrollment is therefore being driven by increases in non-freshman students and dual enrolled high school students (undergraduates 17 years old and younger). Both bachelor’s (+1.9%) and associate degree (+4.3%) programs are seeing enrollment gains this fall. Graduate programs are also seeing enrollment gains (+2.1%) for a preliminary estimate of 2.9% annual growth for total postsecondary enrollment this fall.

“It is startling to see such a substantial drop in freshmen, the first decline since the start of the pandemic in 2020 when they plunged nearly 10%,” said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “But the gains among students either continuing from last year or returning from prior stop outs are keeping overall undergraduate numbers growing, especially at community colleges, and that’s at least some good news for students and schools alike.”

The declines in freshman enrollment are most significant at four-year colleges that serve low-income students. At four-year colleges where high shares of the undergraduate population receive Pell Grants, these preliminary data show freshman enrollment declining by more than 10%. At comparable community colleges, freshman enrollment is rising (+1.2%). 

Undergraduate and graduate enrollments for Hispanic, Black, Asian, and Multiracial students are seeing strong growth this fall. Undergraduate White students, on the other hand, continue to see enrollment declines (-0.6%). 

Other key findings in the report:

The number of students pursuing shorter-term credentials is continuing to grow rapidly, with enrollment in undergraduate certificate programs increasing by 7.3%.

Traditional-aged undergraduate students from neighborhoods of all income levels are seeing enrollment increases. However, freshman enrollment is showing the reverse trend, declining across all neighborhood income levels, with those from middle-income neighborhoods (lower-middle, middle, and upper-middle quintiles) seeing the largest drops at public and private nonprofit four-year institutions.

Freshman enrollment is declining among students of all races and ethnicities, with notable losses among White (-11.4%), Black (-6.1%), and Multiracial (-6.6%) first-time students. Declines for Hispanic and Asian freshmen are relatively muted (-1.4% and -2.8%; Figure 4.1). 
Community colleges (public two-year and primarily associate-degree granting baccalaureate institutions combined) are experiencing smaller freshman enrollment declines (-0.4%). First-time enrollment at these institutions is bolstered by part-time starters (+3.4%), while enrollment of full-time starters is declining (-2.7%; Figure 4.3). In contrast, in fall 2023, full-time freshman enrollment had increased by 3.4% at these community colleges.

About the Stay Informed Report Series

The Stay Informed series was created to help educational leaders and policymakers understand the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on postsecondary enrollments. The report’s dashboards continue to be updated within the first two months of every fall term to provide preliminary but timely enrollment updates to the education community using the latest enrollment data available through the National Student Clearinghouse. The current report reflects 8.7 million enrollments reported as of September 26, 2024, by 51.9 percent of postsecondary institutions in the U.S. that are participating in the Clearinghouse. The estimates provided in this report are preliminary and subject to revision. The Current Term Enrollment Estimates report, released every January, provides final enrollment estimates for the fall term.

About the National Student Clearinghouse^® Research Center™

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center is the research arm of the National Student Clearinghouse. The Research Center collaborates with higher education institutions, states, school districts, high schools, and educational organizations as part of a national effort to better inform education leaders and policymakers. Through accurate longitudinal data outcomes reporting, the Research Center enables better educational policy decisions leading to improved student outcomes. To learn more, visit nscresearchcenter.org.

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More Students Enroll in College Within a Year of High School Graduation

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More Students Enroll in College Within a Year of High School Graduation

HERNDON, VA – (SEPTEMBER 12, 2024) – While the rate of 2023 high school graduates immediately enrolling in college remained flat from the previous year’s graduating class across most high school characteristics, the rate of 2022 high school graduates enrolling within a year of their graduation increased from the previous year, according to the 2024 High School Benchmarks report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

College enrollments within a year of graduation for the 2022 class increased as much as 3.2 percentage points (pp) across nearly all high school characteristics — those defined by incomes, race/ethnicity, or locale — compared with college enrollments the previous year.

“The improving persistence rate is an optimistic sign for high school graduates who are choosing to enroll in college,” said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, “Large and widening gaps for low-income students continue to be a cause for concern, however, throughout the postsecondary journey.”

Other findings include:

Persistence: The rates of high school graduates remaining in college for their second year increased across all high school characteristics by at least a percentage point between the 2020 and 2021 high school graduating classes. Graduates of high schools with higher shares of Black and Hispanic students saw a higher rise in rates of persistence (+2.9 pp) compared to graduates of low minority high schools.

College completion rates: Postsecondary completion rates of high school graduates either remained stagnant or fell across nearly all high school characteristics. The largest increase in overall completion is for students from high poverty schools (+0.6 pp to 25.1 percent). Other than for students from low poverty high schools, all completion rates remain below 50 percent (59.4% for low poverty schools, 25.1% to 48.9% across other high school characteristics).

The 12th annual High School Benchmarks report provides the most current data on high school graduates’ postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes. These data serve as the most relevant benchmarks for monitoring and evaluating progress in assisting students in making the transition from high school to college and earning a credential in a timely manner.

About the National Student Clearinghouse^® Research Center™

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center is the research arm of the National Student Clearinghouse. The Research Center collaborates with higher education institutions, states, school districts, high schools, and educational organizations as part of a national effort to better inform education leaders and policymakers. Through accurate longitudinal data outcomes reporting, the Research Center enables better educational policy decisions leading to improved student outcomes. To learn more, visit nscresearchcenter.org.

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National Student Clearinghouse President and CEO Rick Torres to Retire in February 2025

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National Student Clearinghouse President and CEO Rick Torres to Retire in February 2025

Under Torres’ leadership, Clearinghouse experienced unprecedented growth, now serving nearly 3,600 higher education institutions and nearly 25,000 K-12 schools

HERNDON, VA – (August 23, 2024) – Rick Torres, the longtime President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Student Clearinghouse, announced today he will retire in February 2025 after nearly two decades leading the nonprofit organization. Under Torres’ leadership, the Clearinghouse experienced unprecedented growth, transforming into a cornerstone of the higher education community.

“Rick has shown unwavering support for the Clearinghouse’s mission in transforming the education and workforce communities with trusted data,” said Dr. Debra Chromy, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Under Rick’s leadership, the Clearinghouse has become a backbone of the higher education community—helping nearly every college and university support learner success.”

Since assuming the role of president and CEO in 2008, Torres has overseen the Clearinghouse’s expansion to serve nearly 3,600 higher education institutions, nearly 25,000 K-12 schools, and 43 states. The organization now processes more than 12 billion transactions annually and 11 billion research records, saving the education community hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

Among Torres’ accomplishments, he established in 2010 the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the organization’s widely cited research arm that informs practitioners and policymakers about student educational pathways.

“My 17 years leading the Clearinghouse have fulfilled a deep desire to contribute to the education community,” Torres shared. “Extending the Clearinghouse’s mission to serve thousands of K-20 institutions and helping to inform the education narrative has truly been the highlight of my career.”

Torres’ tenure was marked by significant growth, including a 20x increase in education-serving transactions and a 12% compound annual revenue growth rate. The Clearinghouse is now focused on enriching its data offerings with non-degree credentials and other outcome measures, while also modernizing its data platform.

“By incorporating non-degree credentials and additional outcome data, and by upgrading our data platform, the Clearinghouse is poised to enrich its data resources,” said Torres. “With a mission-driven and experienced executive team in place, I am confident the Clearinghouse will maintain its commitment to serving the education and workforce communities well beyond my retirement.”

Torres holds an undergraduate degree from Manhattan College and an MBA in international finance from Georgetown University. He serves on the Brightpoint Community College Foundation, Achieving the Dream, and Intermediary ED (Formerly ACT) boards and is a founding member of the Groningen Declaration Network Group, an international consortium dedicated to developing a trusted international data exchange ecosystem.

The Clearinghouse is committed to a smooth and well-planned transition that ensures continued success; it has retained executive search firm Korn Ferry as it searches for its next CEO.

Dr. Chromy concludes, “Rick has positioned the Clearinghouse for continued success, and we look forward to more of his vital input over the next six months during the transition process.”

About the National Student Clearinghouse^®

The National Student Clearinghouse, a nonprofit formed in 1993, is the trusted source for and the leading provider of higher education verifications and electronic education record exchanges. Besides working with nearly 3,600 postsecondary institutions in meeting their compliance needs, the Clearinghouse also provides thousands of high schools and districts with continuing collegiate enrollment, progression, and completion statistics on their alumni. For more details, visit  studentclearinghouse.org.

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The National Student Clearinghouse Announces Andrew Siclari as Chief Financial Officer

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The National Student Clearinghouse Announces Andrew Siclari as Chief Financial Officer

HERNDON, VA – (JULY 22, 2024) – The National Student Clearinghouse announced today that Andrew Siclari will serve as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing all aspects of the financial affairs of the Clearinghouse, including banking, investment programs, and financial management. Siclari will serve as a core member of the executive team reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Clearinghouse, Rick Torres.

“We are fortunate to welcome someone with Andrew’s depth and breadth of experience to our leadership team,” Torres said. “The Clearinghouse is in the midst of a digital transformation designed to better serve the education, workforce, and learner communities well into the future. Andrew has the right combination of deep business acumen and high EQ that will be great complements to the Clearinghouse leadership team.”

“It’s a privilege to join the mission-driven team leading the National Student Clearinghouse in its work to provide valuable insights to educators, learners, and employers and to continuously improve outcomes,” Siclari said. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to bring my broad experience and lifelong passion for learning to drive growth and improvement to those who rely on our trusted data and support services.”

As CFO, Siclari will oversee the organization’s daily finance, accounting, and risk management practices. He will also support the president/CEO and core executive team on investment decisions, potential mergers and acquisitions, and strategic plans.

Before joining the Clearinghouse, Siclari was founder and principal consultant of Pivotal Business Services, a professional consulting and advisory services practice that provides strategic planning, process improvement, market analysis, and insights to potential mergers and acquisitions, along with financial and operational expertise to educational providers, investors, and learning and development companies.

He previously served as Chief Financial & Operations Adviser at the University of Massachusetts’ UMass Online and UMass Global, with financial and operational oversight for the university system’s $300 million in annual online revenue. Siclari also previously spent more than two decades at Pearson Education, including as senior vice president and chief business officer for North America Courseware, with accountability for $1.3 billion in annual revenue.

Since March 2023, Siclari has served as an adjunct professor at George Washington University in its College of Professional Studies. He has a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Seton Hall University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Accounting from Saint Francis University.

About the National Student Clearinghouse^®

The National Student Clearinghouse, a nonprofit formed in 1993, is the trusted source for and the leading provider of higher education verifications and electronic education record exchanges. Besides working with nearly 3,600 postsecondary institutions in meeting their compliance needs, the Clearinghouse also provides thousands of high schools and districts with continuing collegiate enrollment, progression, and completion statistics on their alumni. For more details, visit  studentclearinghouse.org.

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Rate of College Freshmen Who Returned for Their Second Year Is Highest in a Decade

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Rate of College Freshmen Who Returned for Their Second Year Is Highest in a Decade

Community Colleges Have Seen the Highest Gains in Retention Rates Over the Last Decade

HERNDON, VA – (JUNE 27, 2024) – More than 76% of students who started college in the fall of 2022 returned for their second year, according to a new report on college students’ persistence and retention rates from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

The 2024 Persistence and Retention report found that the persistence rate rose 0.8 percentage points to 76.5%, while the national retention rate rose one full percentage point to 68.2%. This marks the second straight year of improved persistence and retention, with each number higher than it has been in the last decade.

Persistence refers to returning to college at any institution for a second year, while retention captures return to the same institution.

“While there is still much room for further improvement, these findings are great news for students and institutions alike, and another sign that the struggles of students who enrolled during the pandemic are behind us,” said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “First-year persistence and retention are strong early indicators for students staying enrolled throughout their program of study and eventually completing college.”

Community colleges have seen the highest gains in retention rates over the last decade – rising 3.7 percentage points from 51.3% for those who started in the fall 2013 term to 55.0% for fall 2022 starters. Public 4-year institutions have also seen large gains in retention rates since 2013, with the fall 2022 entering cohort’s 78.0% retention rate standing 3.1 points higher than the rate for fall 2013 entering students.

Since 2018, public 4-year institutions have consistently surpassed their private nonprofit 4-year peers in retaining full-time students, with a 1.7 pp higher rate for the 2022 cohort (Public 4-year: 80.9%; Private nonprofit 4-year: 79.2%). Prior to 2017, the pattern was reversed with private nonprofit 4-year institutions retaining more full-time starters. Private nonprofit 4-year institutions were the only main institution sector to see persistence and retention rates decline for fall 2022 starters (-0.3pp for both rates).

Additional highlights of the report include:

Both full-time and part-time starters in fall 2022 saw persistence rate gains of 0.9 pp and retention rate gains of over 1pp compared to starters the previous fall. Full-time starters had a persistence rate of 82.9% and a retention rate of 74.5%. The comparable numbers for part-time starters were 52.3% and 45.7%, respectively.
There were also larger differences in persistence and retention based on student age. Among fall 2022 starters 20 years or younger, the persistence rate was 80.9% and the retention rate was 71.9%. In comparison, the retention and persistence rates for students 21 through 24 and 25 and older did not exceed 50%.
Institutions retain Hispanic, Black, and Native American students at rates significantly below the national rate (63.6%, 56.6%, and 52.8%, respectively, compared to 68.2% nationally). Moreover, there was more muted growth in retention rates for Hispanic and Native American entering students in fall 2022 compared to gains nationally. Black college starters in fall 2022, however, saw retention rate increases on par with the growth in the national rate.
Persistence and retention rates increased for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in all the top 10 most popular major fields, including Computer Science (persistence: 85.7%, +2.1pp; retention: 77.7%, +1.7pp) and Health (persistence: 87.9%, +1.1pp; retention: 77.1%, +1.4pp). Outside the top 10, starters in bachelor’s degree programs in Communications and Journalism saw more limited gains (persistence: 90.2%, +0.4pp; retention: 81.5%, +0.9pp), while both rates declined slightly for entering bachelor’s students in Mathematics and Statistics (persistence: 91.9%, -0.4pp; retention: 84.6%, -0.3pp).
Among starters pursuing undergraduate certificate programs, trade-related programs in Mechanic and Repair Technologies (57.5%), Precision Production (60.0%), and Construction Trades (61.5%), along with Computer Science (57.7%) and Business (56.3%) certificates, have some of the highest persistence rates among the ten most popular fields of study.
Most states saw stable or positive growth in persistence and retention rates. Students starting in North Carolina (78.8%, +3.4pp), Washington (72.9%, +3.0pp), and at Multi-State/Primarily Online institutions (49.2%, +4.9pp) made particularly large gains in persistence.

The Persistence and Retention report series examines first-year persistence and retention rates for first-time college students. This annual report helps institutions understand trends and disparities in this important early success indicator by institutional type, state, credential type, starting enrollment intensity, major, and student demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

About the National Student Clearinghouse^® Research Center™

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center is the research arm of the National Student Clearinghouse. The Research Center collaborates with higher education institutions, states, school districts, high schools, and educational organizations as part of a national effort to better inform education leaders and policymakers. Through accurate longitudinal data outcomes reporting, the Research Center enables better educational policy decisions leading to improved student outcomes. To learn more, visit nscresearchcenter.org.

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