National Student Clearinghouse found first-year students have a 67.2% retention rate, besting pre-pandemic averages. NSCRC defines retention as students who remain at a given institution for their second year instead of transferring, which counts toward persistence.
Since Spring 2020, non-degree offerings at for-profit colleges have exploded by 115%, contributing to the sector's third consecutive year of positive enrollment growth.
First-time undergraduate earners made up 86% of the 58,800 drop in total credential earners, which "marks the largest decline in first-time graduates since 2012-13," according to the report.
Student enrollment may be eyeing a comeback, but the number of community college students transferring to 4-year baccalaureate institutions continues to fall off a cliff.