The U.S. News and World Report college rankings carry a lot of weight with prospective students who are trying to decide where to send their college applications. One important ranking is the retention rate, which is the percentage of freshmen students who return for their sophomore year.
The retention rate is intended to reflect the quality of student life: A school with a low retention rate does not seem to satisfy its students, while a school with a higher rate probably ensures fulfillment.
Tufts' freshman-to-sophomore retention rate has varied little over the past decade. Typically, between 95 percent and 98 percent of freshmen have returned for their sophomore year of college at Tufts- something on the Hill is keeping students happy.
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) recently completed a study of public institutions to find what keeps college retention rates highest among state schools. What they found applies to smaller private colleges as well.
According to the AASCU report, the overall "campus culture" determines whether or not freshmen will return for their sophomore years. The report lists three parts of the campus culture that are key for retention success: a "pervasive attitude that all students can succeed," a family-like atmosphere among the campus community and a feeling at the institution that the campus is "distinctive" or "special."
The AASCU report mentions that other research into selective, small liberal arts colleges like Tufts has found similar "success factors." The students at smaller schools tend to be involved with the campus community - other students, faculty and administration - in "a close and mutually-reinforcing network of campus ties" that enriches their experience in college.
-by Arianne Baker
