Student Retention Continues to Climb
The numbers are in … and they're what Western Illinois University leadership expected … and predicted.
The 10-day headcount enrollment count of 4,447, which includes 437 new freshmen, for Western Illinois University's Macomb and Quad Cities campuses reflects a small decrease from the previous year, but university officials say the decline is less than in prior years and that other metrics signal progress and are indicators of success.
First-time, full-time freshman retention – also known as fall-to-fall retention - rose to 62.2 percent, its highest in four years, while transfer student retention has climbed to 74 percent. Graduate enrollment also increased by four percent compared to last year, with this year's new students totaling 415.
In addition, international enrollment has risen despite visa restrictions Incoming international student enrollment increased 29 percent compared to last year, for a total of 240 international students between Western's two campuses. The gain is notable given national visa restrictions and shifting student preferences for studying abroad, explained Richard Toomey, Western's assistant vice president for student success and enrollment.
