Creighton retention hits 94%: Why Bluejays stay and graduate in record numbers
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In an ever-changing world, Creighton University is adapting to create the best possible experience for its students. It’s this emphasis on the holistic student experience that encourages Bluejays to stay at Creighton and graduate as future leaders.
Across the nation, private four-year institutions retain 79% of students from their first year of college to their second year (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, June 27, 2024). In 2024 Creighton hit an all-time school record with a retention rate of 94%. Retention rate is a measurement of first-year students who returned for their sophomore year. This is up from the University’s average of 89.5% before 2020, and 92% over the past four years. And places Creighton retention rates among prestigious institutions such as Duke University, Princeton University, Case Western Reserve University, Wake Forest University and Boston University.
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What is driving students to stay a Bluejay?
Every student arrives on campus on day one with a unique history, life-experiences, ideas and cultural backgrounds. As a result, first-year students face challenges that are equally diverse and complex. “At Creighton, we recognize that one-size-fits-all solutions fall short,” explains Anne DeLuca, PhD, director of the Office of Student and Family Support. “Instead, our caring faculty and staff bring together their expertise, experience and—most importantly—coordination to ensure students receive the most comprehensive and tailored resources across all areas of support."
At Creighton, we recognize that one-size-fits-all solutions fall short. Instead, our caring faculty and staff bring together their expertise, experience and—most importantly—coordination to ensure students receive the most comprehensive and tailored resources across all areas of support.
— Anne DeLuca, PhD, director of the Office of Student and Family Support
Sophomore Sofia Qumsieh experienced this support during her freshman year. When Qumsieh was having “one of the worst days of her entire life,” she found comfort and direction from the Success Center. They put her in contact with a mentor, opportunities and helpful resources on campus that helped her not only survive college but thrive. While attending on-campus events, she met new people who have became lifelong friends, giving Qumsieh the courage to continue her journey at Creighton “even in difficult times,” she says.
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Creighton’s retention efforts come down to “teamwork, trust and accountability across the University,” explains DeLuca. In addition to connecting students to all corners of campus, the University partners closely with parents and families to help acclimate them to life at Creighton through newsletters, live panel sessions and a tailored portal. Student success is truly a team effort.
Not only are students staying at Creighton to pursue a nationally ranked education, but they are also graduating at rates higher than other institutions.
I found my place at Creighton by going to events and meeting a lot of new people. Not all those people became my friends, but those who did support me and give me the courage to continue my journey through Creighton in difficult times.
— Sofia Qumsieh, Class of 2027
In 2024, Creighton recorded its highest six-year graduation rate of 83.3%. At other private four-year institutions, the six-year graduation rate hovers at 66%. And for public four-year institutions, that number drops to 57%. (National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, June 27, 2024)
How is Creighton graduating its students at a rate higher than other institutions?
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Extraordinary attention and measures are taken to assist students who have not graduated in a four-year window. The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) provides a reporting guideline for universities and mandates a six-year guideline to make comparisons across schools seamless, thus providing two additional years for Bluejays to work with mentors and earn their degrees. Creighton staff review each student’s transcripts and consult with the appropriate undergraduate dean’s office to build a track to their success, explains Joseph Ecklund, PhD, assistant vice provost for advising and support. Students then receive clear communication of the expectations and tasks to receive their degree.
“The students with whom we work are so close to graduation and we know the critical importance of having a bachelor’s degree,” explains Ecklund. “For these students—who have invested thousands of dollars and years of their life towards a degree—not to be supported and encouraged to finish is simply not the Creighton way.”
From Bluejays’ first day of college to walking at their commencement ceremony, Creighton University ensures students thrive. And, we have the numbers to prove it.
The students with whom we work are so close to graduation. For these students—who have invested thousands of dollars and years of their life towards a degree—not to be supported and encouraged to finish is simply not the Creighton way.
— Joseph Ecklund, PhD, assistant vice provost for advising and support
