For at least a decade or more, Kentucky State University demonstrated an over-reliance in recruiting on significantly underprepared students. Many of these students lacked a realistic financial path to complete a college degree. This recipe yielded an annual retention rate below 50% (often in the low 40s). The university self-funded three initiatives that elevated the retention rate to 65.6% (nearly 7 out of 10 freshmen return for the second year). Despite the success of the campus’ corequisite initiative (eliminating all remediation courses), university college (which revamped advising), and the pre-college summer enrollment cohort, Kentucky State University does not have a financial plan to institutionalize these initiatives.
FALL TO FALL RETENTION