<p>Does anyone have an idea of what the freshman engineering retention rate is at Pitt? What percentage of engineering students don't make it to the beginning of their sophomore year? Any help or insight would be appreciated.</p>
<p>It’s pretty high, and higher than a good number of other engineering schools. I forgot the exact numbers, but I do know that only about 1 - 2% of students drop out of engineering because they simply don’t meet the GPA requirements to stay in the engineering school. Most other students drop out simply because they realize very quickly that freshmen engineering isn’t for them!</p>
<p>Thank you Emi2008: Why would Pitt freshman engineering students realize very quickly that engineering isn’t for them at a higher rate than a good number of other engineering programs?</p>
<p>I read Emi2008’s response a few times and it’s not clear to me if she’s referring to the retention rate or to the dropout rate–but then English is not my first language 
</p>
<p>So, Emi2008, which one is it?</p>
<p>This is what I think: Retention rate is good. Most of those who drop decide they don’t like engineering.</p>
<p>Most of the engineers I know stayed in the program. The only guy I know who dropped out failed physics but ultimately decided he was much more interested in politics and philosophy.</p>
<p>I meant that the retention rate is high, NOT the drop-out rate!</p>
<p>A lot of people will get into engineering, start taking classes, and then realize they don’t like Calculus and Physics as much as they thought! Usually these are the ones who really dont like science/math, just want to do engineering for their parents, or want a the salary that comes with an engineering job. They realize its waaaay too much work for something they’re not truly passionate about.</p>
<p>I would say though that most of our engineers here are pretty happy. Of course we have our super-down days (what engineering student DOESN’T), but from what I hear from other schools, we just don’t seem as miserable. I think it’s because we have a good support system with our advisors and our peers, so it makes getting through it a lot easier.</p>
<p>I talked to Pitt engineering today and they said their freshman retention rate is 80-85%. Four year engineering graduation rate is 70%.</p>