Iowa universities report record graduation and retention rates amid COVID challenges

The Iowa Board of Regents meeting on February 27, 2025, spotlighted impressive gains in student retention and graduation rates across the state's universities, marking a significant achievement in higher education. The annual graduation retention report revealed that retention rates have reached record highs, with an overall rate of 88%, surpassing national averages for private non-profits and public institutions.

The report highlighted that most students are graduating within four years, with a notable increase in three-year graduation rates, particularly at the University of Northern Iowa. This upward trend is attributed to various factors, including students entering college with an average of 20 college credit hours, often earned through dual enrollment programs.

Regent Hensley raised a critical point regarding the need to retain non-resident students post-graduation, emphasizing the potential for these individuals to address Iowa's workforce development challenges. Currently, about 40% of students are from out of state, but only 20% remain in Iowa after graduation. The board discussed strategies to enhance retention rates among these graduates, recognizing the importance of keeping talent within the state.

In addition to graduation metrics, the board is now tracking long-term outcomes for graduates, including median salaries and employment sectors, in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau. This data will help inform prospective students about their potential career paths and financial expectations after earning their degrees.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on initiatives to attract and retain non-resident students, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the Iowa Board of Regents to strengthen the state's educational and workforce landscape.