2023 Student Retention Survey Results

In most higher education institutions, about a third of all first-year students eventually opt to transfer. To delve deeper into the reasons behind such decisions, we surveyed students transferring in the Fall of 2023. The feedback offers crucial insights, shedding light on ways to enhance student persistence and retention. Dive into the survey data below and uncover the nuanced perspectives involved.

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Summary of Findings

It’s evident that while educational opportunities are a primary factor for students transferring, the overall campus experience (orientation, amenities, extracurricular activities) and accurate portrayal of campus life also play critical roles in their decisions. Institutions focusing on enhancing these facets stand to see improved retention rates.

76% of the respondents believed that better online resources displaying actual campus life would have mitigated the disconnect.
66% of the respondents indicated that more campus events at their original school would have influenced their decision to transfer.
The majority of respondents were involved in 2 student groups or extracurricular activities at their original school.
The main reason for transferring schools among respondents was improved educational opportunities (39%).

Survey Demographics

Survey participants, all based in the United States, are predominantly aged between 25 and 34, with males representing 58%. Importantly, every respondent is not only currently enrolled in a college or university but is also in the midst of transferring from their original institution.

“I am currently enrolled at a college or university”

“I am currently transferring from my original college or university”

Student Perception

Which of the following best describes your motivation to transfer schools?

The majority of respondents cited better educational opportunities as the motivation for transferring schools. However, more than 29% of students surveyed stated that they were transferring in search of a more vibrant and active campus. The challenge for universities is in accurately showcasing the vibrancy of their campus to potential students.

Which of the following best describes your student orientation experience at your original school?

Given that a significant portion of students were either actively or somewhat involved in orientation events at their original schools, it’s imperative for institutions to capitalize on these early interactions. Enhancing the quality and reach of orientation events can foster a stronger initial connection with students bolstering persistence and retention.

Involvement in Orientation Horizontal bar graph

How many student groups or extracurricular activities were you involved in at your original school?

With a large majority of respondents participating in two or more groups or activities, it’s clear that engagement outside the classroom significantly shapes the student experience. Institutions should prioritize fostering a rich extracurricular landscape and actively promoting student involvement as it plays a pivotal role in student satisfaction and retention.

Did you attend office hours with a professor at your original school?

Over 65% of students have visited a professor during office hours at their initial school, highlighting the importance of academic mentorship beyond the classroom. Universities should not only promote these one-on-one sessions but also ensure both professors and students take full advantage.

How aware were you of the amenities offered at your previous school?

Almost half of the students were only “somewhat aware” of amenities at their first school, highlighting the need for better communication around campus offerings. Creating more student awareness and engagement with campus amenities enhances the overall student experience.

43% highly, 42.8% somewhat & 14.8% not aware

Watch our Recent Round Table on Student Retention & Persistence

In this online event, our expert panelists will discuss strategies and tactics that are helping students persist. Panelists include Gil Rogers, Host of “For Your Institution” podcast. Aaron Basko, Vice President of Enrollment Management at University of Lynchburg. Also speaking is John Andrick, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Center of Student Success at Concordia College.

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If your original school offered more campus events, would it have influenced your decision to transfer?

A striking 66% of respondents indicated that an increase in campus events could have swayed their decision to transfer. This underscores the pivotal role of an active and inclusive campus community in retaining students.

Which of the following best describes your feelings around navigating (parking, transit, locating classrooms, etc.) your original campus?

The survey responses indicate that while a notable 43.8% found campus navigation simple with ample resources, a significant percentage felt it was either somewhat challenging or overtly difficult. Refining campus navigation, improving signage, and leveraging technology creates a smooth and stress-free campus navigation process that can contribute significantly to overall student satisfaction.

Graph Navigation simple, challenging & difficult

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall mental well-being at your original school?

The question of overall mental well-being at the original school is a critical one, indicating how students felt on a deeply personal level. Institutions must recognize the importance of mental health support and resources, ensuring that every student has the necessary tools and environments to thrive emotionally and academically.

At your original school, was there a disconnect between how you perceived campus life online compared with actually physically being on campus?

A significant 62.6% of respondents felt a disconnect between their online perception of campus life and the actual on-ground experience. Institutions should ensure that digital portrayals of campus are not only comprehensive, but also authentic to improve student retention and satisfaction.

Would better online resources displaying actual campus life before you enrolled have mitigated this disconnect?

An overwhelming 75.72% of students believe that enhanced online resources showcasing genuine campus life could have addressed the perceived disconnect they experienced. An accurate digital window into campus life can greatly influence prospective and current students’ perceptions and decisions.

Conclusion

These survey results highlight notable discrepancies between students’ online perceptions and their on-campus experiences. The emphasis on accurate online representation and genuine campus engagements is evident. While many students prioritize educational opportunities, factors like campus orientation, amenities, and extracurricular involvement also significantly influence their decisions to transfer. Addressing these concerns is crucial for institutions aiming to enhance student satisfaction and retention.

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Watch our Recent Round Table on Student Retention & Persistence

Access the Round Table

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