Western Kentucky University’s fall to spring retention rates hit all-time high

Once again, Western Kentucky University has seen record retention rates between the fall and spring semesters within the ranks of its undergraduate and degree-seeking students. WKU President Timothy C. Caboni announced the retention rate for all degree seeking undergraduate students has risen to 85.1%, according to an article on the school’s website. The 85.1% figure is the highest it has ever been in the 13 years the school has been keeping track of its retention data.

In his message to the campus community, President Caboni noted the school’s strategic plan in relation to the recent retention rate, saying, “The rate at which students continue their education with us, semester to semester and year to year, demonstrates continued progress toward our goal of an 80% first-year retention rate outlined in our strategic plan, Climbing to Greater Heights.”

Among first-time first-year students who were Western Kentucky University students in the fall 2022 semester, 91.1% returned for the spring semester, according to President Caboni’s announcement. The 91.1% figure is a 4.8 percentage point increase in six years, when in the fall semester of 2017, first-time, first-year students were retained at a rate of 86.3%. Among first-time underrepresented minority students, they returned at a rate of 90.8%, which is an increase of more than ten percentage points since the 2017-2018 school year.

In his announcement, President Caboni talked about the dedication Western Kentucky University’s faculty and staff have for its students, saying, “It is evidence of your commitment to provide an unparalleled academic experience for our students – from extraordinary instruction and hands-on application to residential life, campus engagement and more.” 

Also playing a big role in the increasing retention rates is the university’s Living Learning Communities. First-year students who participated in a Living Learning Community were retained at a rate of 95.7%, which is much higher than the 89.6% retention rate of non-Living Learning Community participants.

President Caboni also talked about the benefits of Living Learning Communities, saying, “These remarkable results demonstrate the efficacy of our commitment to a comprehensive approach to academic and social integration during the first year. Our continued and growing investments in Living Learning Communities provide students with immediate access to faculty with a shared academic interest, coupled with a supportive living environment and opportunities for academic and social engagement outside the classroom. We see the direct effects of these investments in their retention and success.”

Bud Fischer, Western Kentucky University Provost, noted the role the faculty and staff play in the school’s retention success: “I am thrilled at WKU’s retention rates,” he said. “Our students are our top priority, and this is a clear indication that they feel supported, engaged and valued on our campus. We are committed to providing them with the opportunities they need to reach their goals, and I am thankful for the efforts of our faculty and staff to help our students succeed.”

More information about Western Kentucky University can be found at the school’s website.