<p>Hi there. Is a returning soph rate in low 80’s actually bad? The more I research the more I see these numbers. What number means the students aren’t happy there?
Thanks.</p>
<p>It is probably typical of a moderately selective large university.</p>
<p>If you see such numbers at a highly selective school, it may reflect unusual fit factors that many students find not to their liking once they get there.</p>
<p>I’m seing it at some small LAC’s.</p>
<p>How selective are these small LACs?</p>
<p>Small LACs might be more prone to fit issues for students who were not careful in selecting them.</p>
<p>Among many factors, the degree programs, residential status, academic preparedness and SES of students also can play into retention. You have to dig deeper into each school’s situation for a full picture.</p>
<p>Affordability could also be an issue at non-selective LACs.</p>
<p>when I look at LACs with retention rates in the 80s, I see generally less selective LACs: </p>
<p>[Freshman</a> Retention Rate | Rankings | Top National Liberal Arts Colleges | US News](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges/freshmen-least-most-likely-return/page+4]Freshman”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges/freshmen-least-most-likely-return/page+4)</p>
<p>There are some more selective LACs in there, but generally these are not the most difficult schools to which to gain admission. What all college retention rates have in common is that the students who are admitted are differentially well prepared for the rigors of the college workload. And you will correct me if I’m wrong here, but that means that these LACs with lower rates in general have accepted students who are less well prepared for college than the students in schools with higher retention rates. A higher percentage of the students at LACs with 80-89% retention rates are ambushed by how difficult college can be compared to high school and were unprepared for the work load at these quite respectable colleges.</p>
<p>Yes, I think the two–quality/selectivity and retention are pretty well linked.</p>