
A retention rate measures the percentage of a freshman class (cohort) still enrolled one year after entering. The graduation rate measures the percentage graduating within six years of entering. The cohort includes all new freshmen entering in the fall semester taking a full-time load the first semester.
NC State's retention and graduation rates are comparable to similar institutions'. Universities with large enrollments in science and engineering programs typically have lower graduation rates than those with large enrollment in the liberal arts and sciences. NC State's graduation rates have steadily increased over the last 10 years. In addition, many of our students take advantage of co-curricular and curricular opportunities that extend their time to graduation.
Official New Freshman Graduation Rates 1991 - Present
Information from IPEDS Graduation Rate Surveys
New Freshman Retention Rates - 1979 - Present
Task Force Report on Undergraduate Retention and Graduation Rates at NC State
Comparison of NC State's Retention and Graduation Rates with Peers