Colleges and universities generally use a software program, such as Banner, to manage their student data. Reports on enrollment numbers can be generated automatically from the database. By comparing enrollment numbers for the same group of students from one semester to the next, colleges and universities track their retention rate.
Colleges utilize surveys to better understand their retention losses. Employees of the institution follow up with students who didn't return or graduate after the previous semester. In the survey, they ask them why they didn't return. College students may stop attending college or transfer to a different institution based on personal, financial or educational reasons, or due to things they do not like about the school. By surveying them, colleges break down their losses into categories to help determine what aspects of the school need improvement.
Identifying students who are at risk of dropping out shortly after the semester starts helps track college retention. The administration monitors students with poor class attendance and early low grades that indicate poor academic performance. By tracking these students throughout the semester, colleges learn how at-risk students move from enrollment to dropping out or being dismissed from the college.
Students benefit when colleges offer services that help students remain at the college. These may include counseling, tutoring or helping students get involved with activities. Tracking these students helps colleges determine which service positively affect retention.