As I help my daughter make her college choice, I came across freshman first year student retention rate stats. Many of the schools that she is considering have first year retention rates at around 95%. SMU’s averages to about 90% over the past 5. TCU is similar. Baylor’s is a tick lower at 89%. Rice is above 96%.
While 90% isn’t terrible, as I believe the national average is closer to 75%, can why does SMU’s retention rate trail many other nationally ranked universities?
in no particular order… (1) lack of cohesive freshman community (2)lack of freshman dorms, (3) drugs (4) difficulty getting the classes you want/need (5) complete party atmosphere …above anything else. (6) Viscous greek system (boys and girls) (7) lack of anyone on campus ( teachers, advisors, ALEC) wanting to actually help any of the students succeed.
High retention rates directly correlates to the cohort of students admitted to the university. The higher the academic level of achievement of the cohort the higher the retention rate.
@skjj52. Makes sense. #6 begs the question of whether this is more of an issue at SMU (and TCU for that matter). Some have said that the Greek system is more dominant at these schools than many others.
the greek system is at the heart of it all… and it is a viper pit. They (SMU) claim a much lower number of greeks than are actually the case. My understanding is they base that % on the ENTIRE student body (undergraduate, graduate and law degree) so they get to a lower number as to not scare people off but the reality is it is the dominant force on that campus… including support from the faculty… and every almost every other club/organization also has a greek component. for example - one of my kids was in a group called career leaders for the business school. they has regular “opportunities” and then separate “greek only” opportunities. As an ALUM - I must admit it was a very disappointing experience to watch my child participate in on all levels. I will also add - that the only reason their retention rate is as high as it is is because they are THROWING money at smart kids to buy them to attend… my child included.
@skjj52 Thanks for the explanation. I don’t see my dd as enjoying Greek life, so the insight is greatly appreciated. My dd was offered a lot of merit money, but if Greek is required to fully participate in everything the school has to offer, it may not be a fit for her. My dd has been struggling today to make her final decision. This may help.
https://www.smu.edu/Academics/StudentAchievement/Retention
For the fall 2015 class, SMU’s retention rate was 91%. The University completed many new dorms since then with the intent of further raising the retention and graduation rates. There is also now a requirement that all students live on campus the first TWO years. That’s probably higher than its peers.
Most private schools with rankings of 50+ are offering generous merit based scholarships. SMU wants to compete for top students with UT-Austin or other top public universities. For some, its financial aid puts SMU in the same ballpark as top public Us and SMU’s class sizes and personal attention can seal the deal.
I recruit undergrads at SMU and they are top-notch. I also know quite a few students and they do just fine without being in Greek organizations. Band, RAs, transfer students from CC, Christian Greek org, national Greek. A more diverse mix of students keeps enrolling.
@tristatecoog What were the retention rates for 2016 and 2017? I know a LOT of kids are leaving this year.
NVM
@skjj52 I don’t believe years after 2015 have been released yet. The new dorms were completed a few years and should be helping retention, especially with a two year residential requirement.
Is your child leaving SMU? Where are these departing students headed? Another top 60 national University? I don’t sense that things have gotten worse. Maybe your kid is among the 9% that end of not returning and is among a group within that subset?
If you go to a small liberal arts college like Southwestern, Austin College, Rhodes, W&L, etc. you’ll get more personal attention.