A-State’s First-Year Retention Rate Sets Record

Along with rising fall enrollment, Arkansas State University announced a record first-year retention rate of 76.1% for the 2015 fall semester.

The retention rate is higher than the state of Arkansas public university average (71%) and the Southern Regional Education Board peer average (72%).

University officials said the retention rate climbed from 70.4% in 2011 to its current level. The increase in retention represents a significant change from a decade ago when A-State’s first-year retention dipped to 65.4% in 2004.

The growth corresponds with a new academic program directed at freshmen, a renaissance of campus life and an increase in the university’s admission standards.

One of the key investments in retention was Arkansas State’s award-winning First-Year Experience (FYE) program, university officials said. Named one of a handful of Apple Distinguished Programs for its innovative use of technology, every incoming first-year student takes an FYE course related to their respective academic area.

“We are committed to retaining, supporting and graduating students who can become the leadership and economic engine of our state’s future,” Chancellor Tim Hudson said. “Creating programs to support first-year students and building a campus environment that is seen as a destination university moves us toward the goal of increasing the number of Arkansas State graduates.”

“Being a destination university means providing our students a campus experience that attaches them to their studies, to their faculty and to each other,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Rick Stripling said. “We have seen record occupancy levels in on-campus housing the past three years and record participation in student life groups. We believe that is helping more students find the family and community they are looking for at Arkansas State.”