Retention Rates and Transfer-out Rates

Retention Rates and Graduation Rates for Full-time, First-time, Degree-seeking Students

Year 1st Year Retention Rate (Fall to Fall) (%) 6 Year Graduation Rate (%)
2021 81%  
2020 86%  
2019 76%  
2018 85%  
2017 83%  
2016 85% 74%
2015 86% 75%
2014 83% 72%
2013 87% 75%
2012 86% 75%
2011 88% 77%
2010 84% 72%
2009 85% 71%
2008 82% 70%
2007 84% 69%
2006 83% 67%

Retention Rates and Graduation Rates for Full-time, Degree-seeking Transfers

Year 1st Year Retention Rate (Fall to Fall) (%) 6 Year Graduation Rate (%)
2021 81%  
2020 82%  
2019 84%  
2018 88%  
2017 86%  
2016 84% 78%
2015 87% 82%
2014 87% 80%
2013 87% 80%
2012 86% 79%
2011 89% 80%
2010 84% 81%
2009 87% 80%
2008 82% 72%
2007 84% 77%
2006 82% 74%

Notes & Definitions

Source: Office of Institutional Planning and Analytics (OIRA), Center for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness (CIPE), 2021 September.

The data consist of all first-time, full-time degree-seeking students and transfer cohorts reported by the designated census date of each fall semester. Beginning Fall 2013, USF changed its IPEDS reporting date from Oct 15 to the University’s Census date, approximately three weeks after the first day of the fall semester. (The figures for first-time students represent the data reported in the CSRDE Survey). Retention and graduation rates have been adjusted for allowable exclusions.

Degree-seeking: A student who enrolled in courses for credit towards a baccalaureate degree.

First-time student: A student who had no previous experience attending any postsecondary institution at the undergraduate level prior to enrolling in USF.

Transfer: A student entering USF either for the first time or as a re-applicant but to have known to have previously attended a postsecondary institution.

Full-time student: A student who has enrolled for 12 or more semester credits as an undergraduate student.

1st Year Retention Rate: The retention rate is calculated as the percentage of students in the adjusted cohort who were retained to the 2nd Fall at USF.

6-Year Graduation Rate: The graduation rate calculated as the percentage of students in the adjusted cohort who graduated within 6 years of entering USF.