graduation rate is 51%, first-year retention is 82%

ALF
Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:28:42 +0000

Yeah, Hampshire has had a relatively low graduation and retention rate (compared to similar liberal arts colleges) for quite a few years now; certainly at least since 2004, which was when I started looking at such details. However, the average nationwide college 4-year graduation rate is only 41%. That is the same 4-year rate for my state (Washington), and the 6-year grad rate is still only 69%. Also, in contrast, the 4-year grad rate for UMass is 52%, 77% for Smith, 74% for Mt. Holyoke, 90% for Amherst.

I agree that a large part of this stems from disillusioned students who had unrealistic expectations for their Hampshire College experience. In fact, although students tailor their own ‘major’, this process occurs under the supervision and approval of an advisor and faculty committee. A student attempting to develop an incoherent or non-rigorous course of study will discover that their committee will be rejecting such proposals.

Also, students quickly learn that ‘no grades’ is a very far cry from ‘no evaluation’. Mediocre work, poor attendance and missing assignments will yield a critical written evaluation that looks a lot worse than a mere ‘C’ grade. Lastly, students are expected to take initiative in forming a faculty committee, developing a course of study and completing the documentation and portfolio required to meet degree requirements.

All of the above combine to cause some students to realize that they may not be in the best place. Add to that the fact that Hampshire is expensive and students/families may be deciding that a lower-cost college could be a better financial solution.