A national survey by standardized testing group ACT is showing a decline in the number of freshmen who return for their second year of college. A bright spot is two-year public schools, whose retention rates have increased.
The survey found 66 percent of freshmen returned to the same school as sophomores, in the 2007-2008 academic year. That’s down from 68 percent the previous year, and is the lowest percentage since 1989.
Researchers say not all students dropped out. Some may have transferred or taken time off. And they speculate the down economy may be a factor. (Third item.)