For higher education, student retention has become mission critical.
Students who do not finish their degree often face lifelong challenges: They earn 44 percent less, on average, and lack the college degree that would make repaying loans more manageable, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, New York, has made extraordinary strides in this area, using these strategies:
Increasing student success through affordability
ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ eliminated the high GPA requirement for students to maintain their academic scholarships, allowing them to focus on completing their degree. In Fall 2023, 100 percent of all first-year admitted students received financial aid. And a new One-Stop Student Services Center simplifies the often overwhelming financial aid process.
Increasing student success through coaching, counseling and advisement
Introductory workshops to University resources help undecided students settle on majors. A nationally recognized Mentoring Program boasts a 100 percent graduation rate. And a new general education curriculum, PATH (Preparation, Awareness, Transformation and Hands-On Learning), helps students discover their unique strengths.
Transforming student success by widening access
As of January 2024, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ has added 34 online programs, allowing parents and working students to access higher education. A new Finish Line Program was created to help students who left college complete their degree. The award-winning Bridges to ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ program welcomes students on the autism spectrum.
Transforming student success through academic shifts
Two academic programs recently won Inspiring Programs in STEM awards from Insight Into Diversity for improving accessibility. A new program, Ensuring STEM Student Success Through an Integrative Support, was funded by a $2.49 million grant from the National Science Foundation and will support high-achieving students from low-income families.
Transforming student success through a more welcoming campus environment
Feeling welcome, safe and accepted on campus is a key component of student success. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ is now home to 30 multicultural student clubs and organizations. A newly built Multicultural Center promotes an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
The graduation rate at ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ is now 16 percent higher than the national average, reflecting the success of these strategies.
Strong gains in student success have resulted in a dramatic jump in ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æâ€™s U.S. News & World Report rankings. Explore the latest news.