U of A Sets Records for Fall-to-Spring Retention of Freshman Class

Photo by Russell Cothren

Fall-to-spring retention rates at the U of A have reached an all-time high, with 95% of full-time degree-seeking new freshmen that began the academic year in fall 2023 returning for the spring 2024 semester.

Freshmen retention rates increased for every ethnic category, while Pell-eligible Arkansas residents in the university’s Accelerate Student Achievement Program (ASAP) achieved a record one-semester retention rate of 97.5%.

“The retention records we are setting provide proof that our students are succeeding like never before and that our focused efforts on student success are making a real impact,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “This is great news for our students and foreshadows future success as they continue to advance toward graduation and meaningful careers.” 

The freshmen class retention rate increased nearly 1% from last year (from 94.2% to 95%), the biggest increase since 2020. In addition, retention rates among first-generation college students increased by 2.4%, while retention among commuter students increased by 4.8%.

The increases and record rates come as the university continues to emphasize its commitment to its land-grant mission including student success as one of the pillars of the 150 Forward Strategic Plan.  

RETENTION INCREASES AMONG ALL ETHNIC GROUPS 

Retention rates also increased across all freshman class race/ethnicity categories, with increases of 4-6 percentage points for some groups: 

• The largest increase of all race/ethnicity categories was among Black or African American students, with retention jumping from 86.8% to 91.4% from fall-to-spring. 
• Native Americans also saw an increase from 88.7% one year ago to 92.5%. 
• Asian Americans (95.1% to 97.8%), Hispanic or Latino/a (94.7% to 94.8%) and White or Caucasian (94.7% to 95.0%) also showed increases.

RECORD RETENTION AMONG ASAP PROGRAM STUDENTS

While the one-term retention rate among Pell-eligible students from Arkansas remained at approximately 91%, it is important to note the significant improvement among students in the Accelerated Student Achievement Program (ASAP). 

Following substantial financial aid received last fall, students in the ASAP program, all Pell-eligible students from Arkansas, achieved a new one-term record retention rate of 97.5%.

The ASAP program at the U of A is a highly successful program that helps first-generation college students or students from eastern Arkansas communities transition from high school to college, providing them early support and guidance.

Additionally, the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, or "the CORD," provides a number of support programs for students as they find their path, including the 360 Program, the Career Studio, TRIO Student Support Services and other academic support and coaching. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.