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Retention rates rising Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 By Dan Craft The Morning News BENTONVILLE - More college freshmen are returning for a second year at Arkansas schools, according to a state report on retention. Statewide retention is climbing, according to analysis from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. The highest retention among four-year universities remains at the University of Arkansas at 83 percent, well above the statewide 77 percent average for four year schools. Arkansas State University reported the largest increase, gaining 6.4 percent recording 72 percent retention among freshmen who entered in fall 2005, the latest year for which figures were available. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas, in Mena, posted a 62 percent rate, the best among two-year schools, according to the report. NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville tracks two types of retention. Full-time freshmen who had never enrolled in college before were more likely to return for a second year than the overall student population, which includes nontraditional students. Just more than 60 percent of first-time students returned, although the overall retention rate for the college was 42.8 percent, according to college-generated figures. Retention rate averages have been climbing in Arkansas for both two- and four-year institutions over the past decade, according to the state report. Average retention at two-year schools has climbed four points to 52 percent, while four-year schools are up three points to 77 percent. "There is progress being made here," said Ron Harrell, assistant director of planning and accountability at the state higher education department. Athletes returned at a 73.5 percent rate, with cross-country and track athletes returning at 81.8 percent. Nationally, two-year school retention rates average 52.5 percent, while four-year school retention rates average 72.3, according to the U.S. Department of Education. |
