Retention stats

<p>My son's good friend is considering attending Drexel, however, he recently researched retention numbers for his top schools - all in the low to mid 90's. Drexel's retention rate is 84% in 2009. Does anyone know the explanation for this - is there a logical explanation or is this a red flag???</p>

<p>This may be more worrisome. Although they have a 5 year coop for 60% of their students, a 56% 5 year grad rate is below sub average. It is so bad that I think something may be wrong with these numbers. Got this from UCAN-network “dot” org</p>

<p>Percentage of Students Who Graduate*<br>
Within 4 Years 20%
Within 5 Years 56%
Within 6 Years 62% </p>

<ul>
<li>Typically more than 60% of Undergraduate students are enrolled in five-year Cooperative Education programs.</li>
</ul>

<p>So if 40% of the kids intend to graduate in 4 and only half do, I see that as a red flag in addition to the very high percentage who transfer out of the school. Our friend and his family ard enreoute to visit this week and they are planning on asking about these two figures. Any current students know of a reasonable explanation for these stats that I am missing?</p>