Understanding how to improve student retention in higher education starts with understanding what student retention is. Student retention in higher education refers to an institution’s ability to keep students enrolled and progressing successfully toward degree completion over time. It’s typically measured by tracking whether students continue from one academic period to the next—such as one semester to the next, or the first year to the second—and by monitoring their consistent progress toward graduation.

Retention is a critical metric because it reflects not only institutional effectiveness in supporting students academically, socially, and financially, but also impacts student outcomes—as those who drop out often face significant debt without the increased earning power that comes with a degree.