Auburn University Achieves Record Retention and Graduation Rates in 2024
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Auburn University stands tall among the nation’s elite universities, demonstrating a commitment to student success through impressive metrics in retention and graduation rates.
Auburn’s Record-Breaking Student Success Rates
On September 24, 2024, Auburn University announced remarkable achievements in its first-year retention and graduation rates, as highlighted in the latest official census data. This year marks a pivotal moment for the institution, showcasing its dedication to fostering student success and maintaining its status as a leader in higher education.
Impressive Statistics
Auburn has recorded a first-year student retention rate of 95%, a significant increase from 93% in fall 2023. Additionally, the six-year graduation rate rose to 82% from 80%, both figures well above national averages. These statistics reflect the growing number of Auburn graduates entering the workforce, subsequently enhancing the university’s economic contribution to Alabama.
Commitment to Excellence
President Christopher B. Roberts emphasized that improving student success metrics, such as retention, graduation, and job placement rates, remains a top priority. “We continue to make historic strides in our efforts to educate, retain, and graduate students by providing an experience that is second to none,” he remarked. “These data points are not only indicators of quality but also reflect the rigorous and relevant learning opportunities we offer.”
Strategic Initiatives for Student Success
As part of its 10-year strategic plan, the university aims to enhance the student experience by diversifying academic offerings, expanding career-focused programming, and investing in accessible pathways like Auburn First. This dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn university credits, and notably, 98% of students who participated in the program were retained into their sophomore year.
National Recognition and Rankings
Auburn’s achievements align with recent rankings by prominent news outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report. These rankings assess a variety of factors including value, faculty engagement, affordability, and student debt, consistently positioning Auburn as a leading institution in Alabama.
- The Princeton Review ranked Auburn No. 1 nationally for happiest students.
- The Wall Street Journal listed Auburn as No. 174 in its annual “Best Colleges in the U.S.” edition.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked Auburn No. 51 among public universities and No. 105 among all national universities.
Highlights from Rankings
The latest U.S. News & World Report edition showcased Auburn’s strengths, ranking it No. 29 nationally for First-Year Experiences and No. 63 in Most Innovative Schools. Additionally, specific academic programs received high accolades:
- Supply Chain Management (Harbert College of Business) – No. 16
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (College of Nursing) – No. 54
- Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Samuel Ginn College of Engineering) – No. 57
Furthermore, Auburn continues to be recognized as a Military Friendly® school, ranked No. 68 among the Best Colleges for Veterans.
Collective Efforts Towards Student Achievement
President Roberts expressed gratitude towards the faculty and staff for their relentless commitment to enhancing the student experience. “Our focus on fostering student success and expanding opportunities for achievement consistently demonstrates that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce,” he stated.
The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings are available online, offering insights for prospective students and families regarding Auburn’s academic excellence and value.
