College retention rates go up at two-year schools, down at four-year institutions
Economic strains could be playing a role in college retention findings that have not been seen in the 27 years that the data has been tracked by ACT Inc., a not-for-profit that provides an array of educational data via assessments and research. This year's findings show that the percentage of first-time, two-year college students who return to school the following year reached a record high of 56 percent. Meanwhile, the retention rate for first-time, four-year college students fell to 72 percent from 75 percent in 2005.
“College retention is a very challenging problem facing our nation,” said Jon Whitmore, ACT’s chief executive officer and former president of San Jose State University and Texas Tech University in a press release. “If we are to meet the goal set forth by President Obama to increase the number of young adults who earn a college degree, we must not only ensure that more students have access to college, but also make certain that they are well prepared to succeed once they get there.”
One of the key findings of the study marked another development that has never seen in all the time the data has been tracked. This year marks the first time that the retention rate at four-year public schools (75 percent) surpassed that of four-year private schools (72 percent). According to Wes Habley, ACT’s principal associate, the reasons for such a shift may be economic.
“Students are better able to afford to return to public colleges than to private schools due to their lower costs,” said Habley. “That can play a huge role in a poor economy.”
The targeted nature of two-year schools may also be playing a role in the boost in retention rates at the institutions, according to experts.
“With many jobs gone and fewer new jobs available, high school graduates and newly unemployed workers may be seeking the fastest, least expensive route to gainful employment,” said Habley, who has been studying retention data for ACT for more than 25 years. “Two-year colleges tend to be less costly than four-year schools and offer programs that provide entry into specific jobs. Those factors may increase students’ motivation and incentive to come back for their second year.”
