Lancaster beats targets for low drop-out rates

Lancaster University is one of the best in the country for student retention rates and widening participation

In figures published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England today, Lancaster University is one of only a handful of universities that meets or does better in targets for retention rates and attracting students from all backgrounds.

Lancaster’s retention rates are 94% overall, with a 4% drop out rate - better that the benchmark target of 6%.

85% of Lancaster’s mature students continue in HE after the first year, with an 11% drop out rate - better than the benchmark target of 15%.

95% of Lancaster’s young students continue in HE after the first year, with 3% dropping out - better than the benchmark target of 5%.

89% of Lancaster’s young students come from state schools and colleges - better than the benchmark of 83%.

23 % of Lancaster’s students come from social class 3m, 4 and 5 - hitting the benchmark target of 23%.

University Secretary Fiona Aiken said: “Lancaster University is consistently in the top positions widening participation and for retention rates. This is an unusual achievement to not only attract students from different backgrounds, but also to keep them.

“We put it down to our overall excellent quality in teaching and research as shown by national reviews of subjects, our good support systems for students such as the college system and our friendly, safe campus environment.”