Auburn University Dropout Rates: Understanding The Numbers

Auburn University is a public institution that was founded in 1856 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 26,874 as of fall 2023. The university has a 92% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of 70.57%. However, the four-year graduation rate is 49%, with 75% of students graduating in six years. Approximately 1,313 students or 23% of the cohort did not complete their degrees within eight years, with 293 students assumed to have dropped out.

23% of Auburn students don't complete their degree within eight years

Auburn University has a large undergraduate enrollment of 26,874 students as of Fall 2023. The university's freshmen retention rate is 92%, which is above the national average of 70.57%.

However, according to the Auburn University 2023 Graduation & Retention Report, approximately 1313 students, or 23% of the cohort, did not complete their degrees within eight years. This group of non-completers includes both transfer students and dropouts.

• 25 students are still enrolled but have not completed their degrees in eight years.
• 986 students transferred to another institution.
• The remaining 293 students could not be accounted for and are assumed to have dropped out.

It is important to note that the report considers any student who does not complete their bachelor's degree within six years as a non-completer, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By this measure, the official Auburn graduation rate is 75%, with a four-year graduation rate of 49% and a six-year graduation rate of 75%.

The report also highlights the difference between traditional and non-traditional students. Traditional students, who are first-time, full-time students under the age of 25, are more likely to graduate in four years than non-traditional students, who may be part-time students, transfer students, or adult learners.

92% of Auburn freshmen return for their second year

Auburn University has a freshmen retention rate of 92%, which is above the national average of 70.57%. This means that 92% of first-time, full-time students return for their second year. This is an impressive statistic and reflects well on the university's ability to support and engage its students.

A high retention rate is a good indicator of student satisfaction and can be a significant factor for prospective students when choosing a university. It suggests that the university provides a positive and supportive educational environment that encourages students to continue their studies. It also indicates that the university effectively meets the needs and expectations of its students, fostering a sense of belonging and academic success.

There are various factors that can influence a student's decision to stay or leave a university. These include academic support, social connections, financial considerations, and mental health, among others. Auburn University's high retention rate suggests that the university is successfully addressing these factors and providing a positive experience for its freshmen students.

The university offers a range of support services, including academic advising, career counselling, student counselling, and academic support programmes. It also provides a rich campus life, with over 500 student organisations and a vibrant Greek system involving about 6,000 students. Additionally, Auburn University assists students with the transition to college life through its Camp War Eagle orientation program and Hey Day, an initiative that encourages students to get to know each other.

The university's retention rate is also notable when compared to other colleges and universities in Alabama, where the average retention rate is 66.79%. This further highlights the effectiveness of Auburn University's efforts in supporting and retaining its freshmen students.

In summary, Auburn University's freshmen retention rate of 92% is impressive and reflects the university's commitment to creating a positive and engaging educational environment. This high retention rate can be attributed to a range of factors, including comprehensive support services, a rich campus life, and effective transition programmes. The university's ability to retain its freshmen students bodes well for their academic success and overall university experience.

49% of students graduate within four years

Auburn University has a 49% four-year graduation rate, which is above the national average of 37.92% for first-time, full-time undergraduate students. This means that almost half of the students who enrolled at Auburn University in 2015 completed their bachelor's degrees within four years.

The six-year graduation rate at Auburn University is 75%, and the eight-year graduation rate is 77%. This indicates that a significant number of students take longer than four years to complete their degrees. The National Center for Education Statistics considers students who graduate within six years to be on time. By this standard, Auburn University's graduation rate is 75%.

The high four-year graduation rate at Auburn University can be attributed to the university's effective retention and graduation strategies. The university has a 92% freshmen retention rate, which is above the national average of 70.57%. This means that most first-time, full-time students continue their studies at Auburn University for a second year.

Additionally, Auburn University offers various support services to help students succeed academically. These services include academic advising, student counselling, career counselling, and writing centres. The university also provides academic warnings and suspensions to help students identify and address any academic challenges early on.

Moreover, Auburn University has a robust enrollment strategy that focuses on enhancing access, affordability, and academic quality. The university aims to increase the diversity of its student body, particularly among underrepresented groups, and improve its retention and recruitment efforts. By addressing accessibility and affordability, Auburn University strives to make its education more attainable for a broader range of students.

In summary, Auburn University's 49% four-year graduation rate is commendable and reflects the university's commitment to student success. The university's high retention rate, comprehensive support services, and strategic enrollment initiatives contribute to creating an environment that enables students to achieve their academic goals.

75% of students graduate within six years

Auburn University has a 75% six-year graduation rate, which is considered the official graduation rate according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This means that 75% of students graduate within six years, while 25% take longer than six years or drop out.

Graduation Rates vs. Drop Out Rates

The graduation rate is a useful metric for understanding how many students complete their degrees and in how much time. At Auburn University, the six-year graduation rate is 75%, which is higher than the national average for first-time undergraduates attending full-time (46.43%) and part-time (21.59%).

However, it's important to note that the graduation rate does not provide a complete picture of student success. The drop-out rate is another important factor to consider. At Auburn University, approximately 23% of students did not complete their degrees within eight years. While some of these students may have transferred to other institutions, the drop-out rate still highlights the challenges that students face in completing their degrees.

Factors Affecting Graduation and Drop Out Rates

There are various factors that can influence graduation and drop-out rates. One factor is the type of student. Traditional students, who are first-time, full-time students under the age of 25, tend to have higher graduation rates than non-traditional students, who may be part-time students, transfer students, or adult learners. At Auburn University, the graduation rate for first-time, full-time students is 77%, higher than the national average.

Another factor is the selectivity of the university. Auburn University has been working to increase its admissions standards and improve selectivity. This includes raising academic standards and increasing merit-based financial aid to compete with other institutions. By improving selectivity, Auburn University can ensure that admitted students have the necessary qualifications and resources to succeed, potentially increasing graduation rates and reducing drop-out rates.

Strategies for Improving Enrollment and Graduation Rates

Auburn University recognizes the challenges posed by changing demographics and affordability issues, which have led to increased competition for a shrinking pool of qualified students. To address these challenges, the university has implemented various strategies:

• Proactive enrollment management: This includes supporting the recruitment and retention of students, especially from underrepresented groups, through marketing and creating inclusive academic opportunities.
• Increasing graduate enrollment: By offering more graduate programs and online education options, Auburn University can attract a wider range of students and improve its overall enrollment numbers.
• Enhancing access and affordability: By providing more need-based financial aid, implementing pathway programs, and increasing the value of an Auburn degree, the university can make higher education more accessible to a diverse range of students.

In conclusion, Auburn University's 75% six-year graduation rate is above the national average, indicating that a significant majority of students are able to complete their degrees within a reasonable timeframe. However, the drop-out rate of 23% highlights the challenges that some students face. By implementing strategic initiatives to improve enrollment, accessibility, and selectivity, Auburn University aims to support student success and improve graduation rates over time.

Auburn has a higher freshmen retention rate than the national average

Auburn University has a freshmen retention rate of 92%, which is above the national average of 70.57%. The average retention rate for colleges and universities in Alabama is even lower, at 66.79%.

Auburn's high retention rate can be attributed to its focus on student retention and recruitment, particularly of underrepresented students. The university offers various programs and initiatives to support students in their transition to college and ensure their success. For example, Auburn freshmen participate in Camp War Eagle, a two-day, overnight summer orientation program, and Hey Day, an annual event that encourages students to wear name tags and greet one another.

Additionally, Auburn is committed to enhancing access and affordability to attract students from diverse backgrounds. The university aims to increase access for Pell-eligible and first-generation students by redirecting funds to need-based financial aid and implementing pathway programs, such as dual enrollment, for high school and transfer students.

Auburn's efforts to create a supportive and inclusive environment for its students have resulted in a higher freshmen retention rate than the national average, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to pursue higher education.

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