Tech Freshman Retention Rate Up

Tennessee Tech reporting an increase in retention among its first-time freshmen students.

Director of News and Public Relations Jonathan Frank said the University’s fall to spring retention rate is about 91 percent. The year-over-year retention is up one point from last year at 78.2 percent. Frank said the university has dedicated significant resources to help students feel connected. Frank said Tech’s Presidential Scholarship is also an important factor.

“It’s something that you can keep typically throughout your time here at Tennessee Tech,” Frank said. “Those are, I think very valuable to students and it’s a great indicator of whether a student will enroll here at Tennessee Tech.”

Tools like the Launchpad Student Success Center, Center for Student Engagement, and Division of Student Affairs are used, Frank said, to make students feel more at home. Frank said Tech’s numerous campus improvements and additions also provide students with a more modern environment for them to enjoy.

“Whether that’s the new pedestrian walkway and plaza, the Ashraf Islam Engineering Building, upcoming renovations to Johnson Hall, or our new football stadium I think all of that matters to the student experience and to keeping students here on our campus,” Frank said.

Frank said Cookeville’s growth has been a major factor in the positive growth and retention seen at Tech.

“Cookeville continues to grow and continues to become an even more attractive place to seek out a college experience,” Frank said. “And I think people are finding that the amenities and attractions they want can be found here in Cookeville and we are building a reputation for Cookeville truly being Tennessee’s college town.”

Frank said Cookeville’s growth cannot be separated from Tech’s rising retention because the city is providing students with a solid community beyond the university that draws them in and keeps them there.

“If you look at the research out there, it’s about ten points above the national average across the country,” Frank said.