Hillsdale retention surpasses national average despite economy
Katie Rose McEneely
Issue date: 9/17/09 Section: News
Even amidst a faltering national economy, when compared to both public and private four-year institutions, Hillsdale College stands out from the crowd in terms of retention rates. The percentage of sophomores returning to Hillsdale after their freshmen year is more than 20 percent above the national averages.
The school's retention rate has risen 5.56 percent in the past three years, bringing the total for the 2007-2008 academic year to 92.12 percent.
According to both National Public Radio and U.S. News & World Report, colleges are having a hard time holding on to students, especially in this poor economy. ACT, Inc., a college testing and research company, reports that the average for public and private four-year universities hovers around 70 percent, with private institutions in the lead.
Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Philipp said Hillsdale's rates are especially impressive because the college draws the bulk of its students from out of state - approximately 60 percent. The average for private liberal arts colleges, she said, is closer to 20 percent. Students who travel farther from home struggle more with obstacles like homesickness, she said.
"Retention starts with admissions," Philipp said. "But I think all student services help, academic services, health care - these are good business practices."
Jeff Lantis, director of admissions, said his department targets prospective students who are likely to form a bond with Hillsdale.
"Our number one goal is to recruit alumni. We want to find students who are a good match, who will fit into the college community and thrive academically," he said. The admissions process is tailored to address prospective students' concerns and questions and help them determine if Hillsdale is a good fit.
Philipp said the published data does not change if a student leaves for a period of time - to take a gap year or join a study-abroad program not sponsored by Hillsdale, for instance - and returns after the absence.
The school's retention rate has risen 5.56 percent in the past three years, bringing the total for the 2007-2008 academic year to 92.12 percent.
According to both National Public Radio and U.S. News & World Report, colleges are having a hard time holding on to students, especially in this poor economy. ACT, Inc., a college testing and research company, reports that the average for public and private four-year universities hovers around 70 percent, with private institutions in the lead.
Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Philipp said Hillsdale's rates are especially impressive because the college draws the bulk of its students from out of state - approximately 60 percent. The average for private liberal arts colleges, she said, is closer to 20 percent. Students who travel farther from home struggle more with obstacles like homesickness, she said.
"Retention starts with admissions," Philipp said. "But I think all student services help, academic services, health care - these are good business practices."
Jeff Lantis, director of admissions, said his department targets prospective students who are likely to form a bond with Hillsdale.
"Our number one goal is to recruit alumni. We want to find students who are a good match, who will fit into the college community and thrive academically," he said. The admissions process is tailored to address prospective students' concerns and questions and help them determine if Hillsdale is a good fit.
Philipp said the published data does not change if a student leaves for a period of time - to take a gap year or join a study-abroad program not sponsored by Hillsdale, for instance - and returns after the absence.
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