Tracking Student Persistence and Retention: A Decade of Progress

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s Persistence and Retention report series provides invaluable insights into the educational journeys of first-year postsecondary students. By examining factors like persistence and retention rates, higher education leaders can better understand student success and identify areas for improvement.

Key Findings from the Report

Over the past decade, the report has revealed some encouraging trends:

• Increased Same-Institution Retention: The percentage of students who returned to the same institution for their second year has steadily risen. In 2022, this rate reached 68.2%, marking a 3.3% increase compared to a decade ago. This positive trend suggests that more students find satisfaction and success at their initial institutions.
• Rising Cross-Institutional Persistence: The percentage of students who continued their education at any institution for their second year has also grown. In 2022, this rate stood at 76.5%, a 2.5% increase from the previous decade. This increase indicates a greater likelihood of students remaining engaged in higher education, even if they choose to transfer.

Implications for Institutions and Students

These findings have significant implications for both institutions and students:

• Targeted Retention for Racial/Ethnic Groups: Black, Hispanic, and Native American students continue to be retained at lower rates than the national average. Analyzing efforts to retain these students can help institutions close these gaps.
• State Trends for Persistence and Retention: By analyzing the alignment between policy changes and persistence and retention trends in states, institutions, and policymakers can identify areas to make targeted improvements and allocate resources effectively.

The Persistence and Retention reports offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of higher education. By understanding the factors that influence student success, institutions can take steps to improve retention rates and ensure that more students achieve their educational goals.

Additional Resources:

• Visit our Research Center

• Read our Persistence and Retention Report series