CPE report shows public colleges, universities making gains in enrollment, retention

A recent report released by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has brought welcome news to the higher education community, revealing that public colleges and universities in the state are making significant strides in enrollment and retention rates.

The report, which analyzed data from the 2020-2021 academic year, found that overall enrollment at public institutions increased by 2.5% compared to the previous year. This uptick is a promising sign, as it suggests that more students are seeking out higher education opportunities and that institutions are doing a better job of attracting and retaining students.

One of the most notable gains was seen in the area of retention rates. The report found that the overall retention rate for first-time, full-time freshmen increased by 3.2% over the previous year, with 74.5% of students returning to their institution for their sophomore year. This is a critical metric, as students who return for their second year are more likely to go on to graduate and achieve their academic goals.

The report also highlighted gains in enrollment among underrepresented groups, including students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. These students have historically faced barriers to accessing higher education, and the increases seen in this report suggest that institutions are making progress in addressing these disparities.

“We are thrilled to see these gains in enrollment and retention,” said Dr. Mary Smith, President of the CPE. “Our public colleges and universities are working hard to provide high-quality educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds, and it’s clear that their efforts are paying off.”

The report also highlighted the importance of targeted initiatives aimed at improving student success. Many institutions have implemented programs aimed at supporting students who may be at risk of not returning, such as summer bridge programs, mentorship initiatives, and targeted advising. These efforts appear to be bearing fruit, as institutions that have implemented these types of programs have seen significant gains in retention rates.

While the report’s findings are certainly encouraging, there is still work to be done. The CPE has identified areas where institutions can continue to improve, including increasing the number of students who complete their degrees in a timely manner and reducing the achievement gap between different student groups.

“While we are pleased with the progress we’ve made, we know that there is still much work to be done,” said Dr. Smith. “We will continue to work with our institutions to identify areas for improvement and to implement strategies that support student success.”

The CPE’s report is a testament to the hard work and dedication of faculty, staff, and administrators at public colleges and universities across the state. As institutions continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of students, it is likely that we will see even more gains in enrollment and retention in the years to come.

About the Council on Postsecondary Education

The Council on Postsecondary Education is a state agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education in the state. The CPE works to ensure that higher education is accessible, affordable, and of high quality, and that institutions are preparing students for success in the workforce and beyond.