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Retention rates hit new high for university

Overall enrollment is up at Lenoir-Rhyne for the fall semester, driven by increases in new students and a jump in the retention rate.

There are 843 new students this fall, which includes first-year students, transfer students and graduate students. New undergraduate students are up 1.89%, from 474 in 2023 to 483 in 2024, and up 12.85% from fall 2021. Total enrollment is 2,255, up 1.03% over fall 2023.

"We are thrilled to see such a strong increase in enrollment for the fall semester," said Leah Beth Hubbard, DSL, assistant vice president for admission. "This growth is a testament to the quality of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the unique campus experience we offer our students."

In addition, thanks to widespread efforts by faculty and staff to build on student success and engagement, more Lenoir-Rhyne students returned for the fall 2024 academic year than previously recorded.

“Our fall 2023 to fall 2024 retention is at the highest in at least the last seven years — at 76% — which is 5% above last year, and 3% above pre-COVID enrollment,” said Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs.

According to the , the national average for fall to fall retention rate is 68.2 percent for private, four-year institutions, putting Lenoir-Rhyne well above the average.

“These numbers are a great indicator of long-term student success and longer-term retention toward graduation,” shared Burris. “The work and effort put in by the whole university is evident in these positive trends as we build momentum to help even more students reach their goals.”

The university’s retention rates hit another record high for the fall 2023 to spring 2024 semesters, as the Office of Institutional Research shared a retention rate of 89% of students between the two semesters.

“The combined efforts of Lenoir-Rhyne’s faculty and staff — who have risen above and beyond to serve and engage our students — is a testament to the commitment of the Bear community to helping the next generation of passionate learners and leaders,” said University President Fred Whitt, Ed.D.