BOZEMAN – Montana State University is currently at a 30 year high for retention and graduation rates.
The numbers show that 77.2% of traditional full-time first-year students are coming back for a second year. Both four and six-year graduation rates are up by 2%-to-3% this year.
The university has implemented programs into the curriculum to keep students on track, such as encouraging them to take more credits each semester to complete their degree early and for less money.
“Our research has shown that the connections made during that first year and very key in making students come back and to their ultimate success at the university. A lot of these programs are ones that we have consciously put in place to try and get students engaged and to try and help them find the tools to stay in school,” Director of MSU News Service Michael Becker said.
The university said it doesn’t consider its job done until students leave with a diploma.
-Emma Hamilton reporting for MTN News
