40 Best Student Retention Rate Colleges for 2024
Published: November 13, 2023
By: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Jump to: 25 Best Student Retention Rate Schools | 15 Best Retention Rate Colleges of Distinction
As you take on the exciting yet daunting journey of selecting a college, there’s a lot to look for. From campus amenities to academic programs, making the best decision is more complex and multifaceted than statistics and rankings can accurately convey. However, some stats can help identify strengths or weaknesses in a college. One crucial metric that often flies under the radar but deserves careful consideration is the student retention rate. Understanding this statistic can be helpful when determining whether a school will offer the support you need to have a successful college experience.
What is retention rate?
So, what exactly is a student retention rate? In essence, it is a representation of the percentage of students who continue their studies at a particular institution after their initial enrollment. Or, it’s the share of students who stay enrolled after their freshman year. This metric offers a glimpse into the university’s ability to engage and support its students throughout their academic journey.
Why is retention rate important?
A high retention rate serves as a testament to a college’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. It reflects positively on the institution’s ability to provide resources, mentorship, and a sense of community that encourages students to persist and thrive. On the flip side, a low retention rate may raise red flags, indicating potential issues such as inadequate academic support, social challenges, or insufficient resources. If a school on your list has a low retention rate, don’t fret! It’s not a tell-tale sign that the school is of a lower quality. Oftentimes, the data that is available to the public is a few years old, and schools are constantly looking for ways to improve their retention.
The 25 Best Student Retention Rate Schools
1. The University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Retention rate: 99%
The University of Chicago, founded in 1890, is celebrated for its commitment to intellectual rigor and inquiry. Located in the vibrant city of Chicago, it has a strong tradition of fostering critical thinking and academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines, making it a prominent institution in higher education.
| Acceptance Rate 6% | Net Price $33,727 | SAT Range 1510-1580 |
Other schools in the area with great retention rates:
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Retention rate: 99%
Founded in 1851 to cater to the historic Northwest Territory, Northwestern University is a distinguished private research institution located in Evanston, Illinois, United States. Boasting the status of being the oldest chartered university in Illinois, Northwestern’s primary campus is strategically situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan within the Chicago metropolitan area.
| Acceptance Rate 7% | Net Price $29,999 | SAT Range 1470-1570 |
Other schools in the area with great retention rates:
3. Columbia University
New York, NY
Retention rate: 99%
Columbia University, located in Morningside Heights, New York City, is a prestigious Ivy League institution founded in 1754. As one of the oldest universities in the United States, Columbia has earned a distinguished reputation for academic excellence and research across various disciplines. With a diverse student body and a commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, the university provides a rigorous and dynamic learning environment within the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
| Acceptance Rate 4% | Net Price $12,411 | SAT Range 1470-1570 |
Other schools in the area with great retention rates:
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Retention rate: 99%
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-renowned research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT has consistently been at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements. Known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on cutting-edge research, MIT attracts top-tier faculty and students from around the globe, contributing significantly to advancements in engineering, science, and technology.
| Acceptance Rate 4% | Net Price $30,958 | SAT Range 1530-1580 |
Other schools in the area with great retention rates:
| School | More Info | Retention Rate | Location | Acceptance Rate | Net Price | SAT Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stonehill College | Profile> | 89% | Easton, MA | 72% | $31,467 | Test free |
| Assumption University | Profile> | 82% | Worcester, MA | 86% | $26,513 | Test optional |
| Suffolk University | Profile> | 78% | Boston, MA | 88% | $32,393 | 1080-1280 |
| Western New England University | Profile> | 77% | Springfield, MA | 90% | $30,403 | 1128-1280 |
5. California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA
Retention rate: 99%
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prestigious private research university located in Pasadena, California. Established in 1891, Caltech has earned a distinguished reputation for its commitment to science and technology. With a small yet highly accomplished student body and faculty, the institute is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and influential contributions to fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.
| Acceptance Rate 4% | Net Price $30,162 | Test free |
Other schools in the area with great retention rates:
The Rest of the Top 15 Retention Rate Colleges
| # | School | More Info | Retention Rate | Location | Acceptance Rate | Net Price | SAT Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | University of Notre Dame | 98% | Notre Dame, IN | 15% | $30,513 | 1410-1550 | |
| 7. | Georgetown University | 98% | Washington, DC | 12% | $23,049 | 1410-1550 | |
| 8. | Claremont McKenna College | Profile> | 98% | Claremont, CA | 11% | $21,663 | 1420-1530 |
| 9. | Harvey Mudd College | 98% | Claremont, CA | 10% | $33,838 | 1480-1560 | |
| 10. | Amherst College | 98% | Amherst, MA | 9% | $18,809 | 1370-1550 | |
| 11. | Dartmouth College | 98% | Hanover, NH | 6% | $24,078 | 1440-1560 | |
| 12. | Duke University | 98% | Durham, NC | 6% | $27,297 | 1468-1558 | |
| 13. | University of Pennsylvania | 98% | Philadelphia, PA | 6% | $14,578 | 1480-1570 | |
| 14. | Brown University | 98% | Providence, RI | 6% | $25,028 | 1460-1570 | |
| 15. | Yale University | 98% | New Haven, CT | 5% | $20,605 | 1480-1580 |
15 Best Retention Rate Colleges of Distinction
The hyper-elite colleges in the top 15 above are not the only way to get a great college education. We have picked another 15 amazing schools that have strong retention rates and also pass through our Four Distinctions guidelines. Take a look for yourself and see if there is one or two worth adding to your shortlist!
| School | More Info | Retention Rate | Location | Acceptance Rate | Net Price | SAT Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstone University | Profile> | 97% | Grand Rapids, MI | 91% | $20,780 | 970-1220 |
| Bryant University | Profile> | 90% | Smithfield, RI | 74% | $40,310 | 1120-1300 |
| Westminster College | Profile> | 89% | New Wilmington, PA | 82% | $20,258 | 1040-1258 |
| University of Puget Sound | Profile> | 88% | Tacoma, WA | 88% | $28,221 | 1150-1370 |
| The Catholic University of America | Profile> | 88% | Washington, DC | 86% | $35,520 | Test optional |
| Quinnipiac University | Profile> | 87% | Hamden, CT | 88% | $38,244 | Test optional |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | Profile> | 87% | Mahwah, NJ | 70% | $12,251 | 1100-1280 |
| Sacred Heart University | Profile> | 86% | Fairfield, CT | 66% | $43,907 | Test optional |
| Aquinas College | Profile> | 85% | Grand Rapids, MI | 89% | $19,447 | 1000-1170 |
| San Francisco State University | Profile> | 85% | San Francisco, CA | 93% | $13,641 | Test optional |
| Towson University | Profile> | 85% | Towson, MD | 88% | $11,076 | 1040-1220 |
| Widener University | Profile> | 85% | Chester, PA | 85% | $25,343 | 1080-1275 |
| Ursinus College | Profile> | 85% | Collegeville, PA | 83% | $31,438 | 1200-1360 |
| Seattle University | Profile> | 85% | Seattle, WA | 82% | $36,671 | 1120-1330 |
| St. Mary’s College of Maryland | Profile> | 85% | St. Mary’s City, MD | 77% | $20,213 | 1135-1340 |
| Messiah University | Profile> | 85% | Mechanicsburg, PA | 77% | $23,895 | 1100-1340 |
Using Retention Rate As a Tool
While factors like campus aesthetics and program offerings are undeniably important in the college search process, prospective students should consider the significance of the student retention rate. It serves as a compass, guiding families toward institutions that prioritize student success, foster a supportive environment, and provide the resources necessary for a transformative college experience. By delving into this often-overlooked statistic, you can make more informed decisions, ensuring that the college journey is not only about enrollment but about thriving and succeeding in the years to come.
All data from the National Center for Educational Statistics
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