MISSOULA – University of Montana officials say the student retention rate has gone up.
The Missoulian reports UM Vice President for Enrollment Tom Crady says that this year, the school only lost 300 to 400 students from the fall semester to the spring semester. Last year, the school lost about 900 students.
The change is not enough to give university officials hope that the rate will continue.
Office of Student Success leader Brian French believes the retention rate has been low to due to students transferring to other schools after their first semester. He says others drop out due to emergencies, mental health issues or financial constraints.
Native American students have the lowest retention rate.
Crady says the school has eliminated most registration holds and has become more flexible with payment plans to encourage students to stay.