Top three targeted student populations for student retention programs, as rated by campus officials in spring 2013

In the findings of a new, spring 2013 Noel-Levitz poll, campus officials across higher education rated honors programs and first-year student programs among the top three of 11 programs aimed at retaining specific student populations. These two programs also made the poll’s overall list of the “top 10 most effective strategies and tactics” for student retention and college completion initiatives.

As shown in the tables above, 74 to 90 percent of respondents across sectors rated honors programs and first-year student programs “very effective” or “somewhat effective” based on a rating scale that also included the options of “minimally effective” or “method not used.” Other student-population-targeted programs that were ranked (not shown above) included programs for international students, adult learners, transfer students, online learners, veterans, and second-year students.

Interestingly, while honors programs were rated highly, the poll also found that many respondents weren’t offering them, including 26 percent of four-year private institution respondents, 13 percent of four-year public institution respondents, and 40 percent of two-year public institution respondents.

Watch for the complete findings from the poll to be released in July in the forthcoming 2013 Student Retention Practices Benchmark Report for Four-Year and Two-Year Institutions. To receive the report by e-mail, visit www.NoelLevitz.com/Subscribe and select “New trend reports and white papers.”

Noel-Levitz partners with campuses for student retention strategy consulting. If you have any questions about strengthening your institution’s initiatives for student retention or college completion, or about the findings above, please contact us.