The college with the highest first-year retention rate in every state

by Roya Shahidi 05 October 2026 7 min read 51x views

The college with the highest first-year retention rate in every state

Getting a pupil to choose a college is one thing. Getting them to arrive rear for another twelvemonth is fair as important.

Ranging from Ivy League universities to military academies, Business Insider calculated the university alongside the highest preservation charge in all state.

The first-year preservation charge shows the proportion of students who come back to their studies in the autumn for their sophomore year. It's a metric colleges attention concerning since it can signify higher student satisfaction and powerful scholarly support.

Business Insider compiled all state's victor using provisional fall 2024 data from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

The preservation charge covers full-time, first-time bachelor-seeking students who entered in autumn 2023 and measures whether they returned for autumn 2024.

The cohort size is adjusted to document for any permitted exclusions, specified as a student's death.

Business Insider additionally constricted the data to degree-granting institutions lone and set a minimum cohort size of 100 to evade extremely small cohorts inflating preservation rates.

Because the data is provisional, the figures could be revised and should not be considered final counts.

Here are the colleges alongside the highest preservation charge in all state.

ALABAMA: Auburn University

Landscaped evidence grassland alongside pale flowers and trees framing a masonry block construction alongside a clock tower. — Auburn University had a first-year preservation charge of 95%. Ray Tan/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 5,915

Retention rate: 95%

ALASKA: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tall missile monument stands beside a multi-story construction alongside antenna dishes in a landscaped outdoor plaza. — The University of Alaska Fairbanks had a first-year preservation charge of 74%. pabradyphoto/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 451

Retention rate: 74%

ARIZONA: Arizona State University (Campus Immersion)

Historic red-brick Old Main construction at Arizona State University stands rearward a courtyard fountain and landscaped lawn. — Arizona State University Campus Immersion had an 87% first-year preservation rate. GummyBone/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 13,867

Retention rate: 87%

ARKANSAS: University of Arkansas

Large beige masonry block organizational construction alongside rows of windows, a chief entrance, lawn, sidewalk, and outdoor sculpture. — The University of Arkansas had a first-year preservation charge of 86%. neiu20001/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 6,289

Retention rate: 86%

CALIFORNIA: Claremont McKenna College

Courtyard evidence alongside lawn, tiled-roof buildings, a pane pavilion, reflecting pool, trees, and group strolling on paths. — Claremont McKenna College had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 321

Retention rate: 98%

COLORADO: United States Air Force Academy

United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel stands rearward evergreen trees and a patterned plaza under a partially cloudy sky. — The United States Air Force Academy had a first-year preservation charge of 97%. sanfel/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,101

Retention rate: 97%

CONNECTICUT: United States Coast Guard Academy

Uniformed graduates sit on a football site during an outdoor commencement ritual by the water. — The United States Coast Guard Academy had a first-year preservation charge of 99%. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 287

Retention rate: 99%

DELAWARE: University of Delaware

DuPont Hall alongside pale columns faces a green evidence grassland under a apparent blue sky. — The University of Delaware had a first-year preservation charge of 92%. Kirkikis/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 4,190

Retention rate: 92%

FLORIDA: University of Florida

The UF Archway known as the UF Arch on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Heavener Hall at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. — The University of Florida had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. Matt Pendleton Photography/iStock

Adjusted first-year cohort: 6,726

Retention rate: 98%

GEORGIA: Georgia Institute of Technology (Main Campus)

Red masonry block evidence tower alongside TECH sign rises rearward trees under a apparent blue sky. — The Georgia Institute of Technology (Main Campus) had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. CRobertson/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 3,751

Retention rate: 98%

HAWAII: University of Hawaii at Mānoa

University of Hawaii Manoa evidence construction alongside columns, lawns, trees, and an overcast sky. — The University of Hawaii at Mānoa had a first-year preservation charge of 81%. hapabapa/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 2,868

Retention rate: 81%

IDAHO: The College of Idaho

Tree-lined park alongside a river, ample rocks, manicured grass, and a small extend under a apparent blue sky. — The College of Idaho is located in Caldwell, Idaho. Mike Worley/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Adjusted first-year cohort: 292

Retention rate: 82%

ILLINOIS: University of Chicago

Aerial perspective of Gothic evidence buildings at the University of Chicago alongside Lake Michigan and city towers beyond. — The University of Chicago had a first-year preservation charge of 99%. Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,618

Retention rate: 99%

INDIANA: University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame Main Building’s Golden Dome rises beyond a tree-lined evidence walkway in autumn. — The University of Notre Dame had a first-year preservation charge of 99%. Joe Hendrickson/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 2,074

Retention rate: 99%

IOWA: Grinnell College

Grinnell College entrance sign stands on a grassy evidence grassland surrounded by trees and masonry block buildings. — Grinnell College had a first-year preservation charge of 93%. Wolterk/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 457

Retention rate: 93%

KANSAS: University of Kansas

Students stroll exterior the University of Kansas Budig Hall and Hoch Auditorium entrance on a sunny evidence day. — The University of Kansas had a first-year preservation charge of 86%. Wolterk/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 5,159

Retention rate: 86%

KENTUCKY: Centre College

A individual sits on a grassy grassland at Centre College, Kentucky alongside a notebook in forefront of a ample masonry block construction alongside pale columns. — Centre College had a first-year preservation charge of 88%. Courtesy of Centre College

Adjusted first-year cohort: 360

Retention rate: 88%

LOUISIANA: Tulane University of Louisiana

Historic rock construction and shaded grassland alongside a lofty hanging ribbon facility under a apparent blue sky. — Tulane University of Louisiana had a first-year preservation charge of 93%. Laser1987/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,866

Retention rate: 93%

MAINE: Bowdoin College

Red masonry block and rock Gothic-style construction forefront alongside crenellations and pointed spires against a blue sky. — Bowdoin College had a first-year preservation charge of 97%. rossandgaffney/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Adjusted first-year cohort: 504

Retention rate: 97%

MARYLAND: Johns Hopkins University

Red-brick organizational buildings alongside white-trimmed windows remain rearward a broad green grassland under a cloudy sky. — Johns Hopkins University had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. Amy Sparwasser/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,413

Retention rate: 98%

MASSACHUSETTS: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

People collect exterior the columned entrance of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's William Barton Rogers Building. — The Massachusetts Institute of Technology had a first-year preservation charge of 99%. HABesen/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,090

Retention rate: 99%

MICHIGAN: Hillsdale College

A individual sits on a place alongside a notebook exterior a ample masonry block construction alongside columns and arched windows. — Hillsdale College had a first-year preservation charge of 97%. Chris duMond/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 349

Retention rate: 97%

MINNESOTA: Carleton College

Historic rock Wills Hall alongside a clock tower stands on a evidence grassland under a apparent blue sky. — Carleton College had a first-year preservation charge of 96% Cynthia Shirk/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 538

Retention rate: 96%

MISSISSIPPI: University of Mississippi

Lyceum Building at Ole Miss, showing pathway and gardens — The University of Mississippi had a first-year preservation charge of 87%. Gerald Zaffuts/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 5,185

Retention rate: 87%

MISSOURI: Washington University in St. Louis

Brookings Hall at Washington University in St. Louis stands rearward a masonry block walkway and green evidence lawn. — Washington University in St. Louis had a first-year preservation charge of 95%. JByard/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,823

Retention rate: 95%

MONTANA: Carroll College

Aerial perspective of Carroll College Nelson Stadium alongside football field, bleachers, evidence buildings, and surrounding trees. — Carroll College had a first-year preservation charge of 82%. GummyBone/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 273

Retention rate: 82%

NEBRASKA: Creighton University

Stone chapel alongside twin spires and crosses stands beside Creighton banners on a landscaped evidence plaza. — Creighton University had a first-year preservation charge of 94%. Wolterk/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,043

Retention rate: 94%

NEVADA: University of Nevada-Reno

Historic masonry block construction stands beyond a broad grassland framed by trees and glowing lights at dusk. — The University of Nevada-Reno had a first-year preservation charge of 80%. Wirestock/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Adjusted first-year cohort: 3,388

Retention rate: 80%

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Dartmouth College

Baker-Berry Library’s clock tower rises complete a masonry block evidence construction framed by trees and lawn. — Dartmouth College had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. arlutz73/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,206

Retention rate: 98%

NEW JERSEY: Princeton University

Ivy-covered Gothic rock evidence construction alongside an arched passageway below a cloudy sky. — Princeton University had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. Brian Logan/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,332

Retention rate: 98%

NEW MEXICO: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Radio scope dishes row a wilderness plain below a blue sky alongside scattered clouds. — New Mexico Tech is located in Socorro, New Mexico. Greg Meland/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Adjusted first-year cohort: 222

Retention rate: 77%

NEW YORK: Columbia University in the City of New York

People sit on the steps exterior Columbia University’s Low Memorial Library below the Alma Mater statue. — Columbia University had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. Form and Flora/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,498

Retention rate: 98%

NORTH CAROLINA: Duke University

Aerial perspective of Duke University Chapel and surrounding Gothic evidence buildings at sunset. — Duke University had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. CRobertson/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,741

Retention rate: 98%

NORTH DAKOTA: University of Mary

People alongside backpacks stroll exterior the LUMEN VITAE UNIVERSITY CENT entrance on a sunny evidence walkway. — The University of Mary had a first-year preservation charge of 84%. Courtesy of Mike McCleary, University of Mary

Adjusted first-year cohort: 559

Retention rate: 84%

OHIO: Ohio State University (Main Campus)

Red The Ohio State University sign stands on a grassy evidence grassland alongside autumn trees and buildings. — Ohio State University (Main Campus) had a first-year preservation charge of 94%. BSPollard/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 8,028

Retention rate: 94%

OKLAHOMA: University of Tulsa

Aerial perspective of a university evidence quadrangle alongside lawns, intersecting walkways, scholarly buildings, and a sunset sky. — The University of Tulsa had a first-year preservation charge of 92%. Courtesy of University of Tulsa

Adjusted first-year cohort: 558

Retention rate: 92%

OREGON: Lewis & Clark College

Three group sit beside a reflecting pond below rock terraces and a ample home surrounded by lush gardens. — Lewis & Clark College had a first-year preservation charge of 89%. Courtesy of Lewis & Clarke College

Adjusted first-year cohort: 536

Retention rate: 89%

PENNSYLVANIA: University of Pennsylvania

Old Main at Penn State stands rearward snow-covered evidence under a apparent blue sky. — The University of Pennsylvania had a first-year preservation charge of 99%. Dmitry Vinogradov/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 2,415

Retention rate: 99%

RHODE ISLAND: Brown University

Red masonry block historic construction alongside arched entrance, stairs, trees, and lampposts under a blue sky. — Brown University had a first-year preservation charge of 99%. tupungato/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,692

Retention rate: 99%

SOUTH CAROLINA: Clemson University

Clemson University’s red masonry block clock tower stands rearward trees and a seated statue on landscaped evidence grounds. — Clemson University had a first-year preservation charge of 93%. CRobertson/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 4,488

Retention rate: 93%

SOUTH DAKOTA: Augustana University

Snow-covered trees encircle a rock fountain in forefront of masonry block campus-style buildings under a apparent blue sky. — Augustana University had a first-year preservation charge of 86%. Wirestock/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 454

Retention rate: 86%

TENNESSEE: Vanderbilt University

A statue and illuminated rock monument remain in a masonry block evidence courtyard alongside autumn trees and red masonry block buildings. — Vanderbilt University had a first-year preservation charge of 96%. CRobertson/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,612

Retention rate: 96%

TEXAS: Rice University

Rice University entrance sign alongside owl crest stands beside trees and a evidence walkway. — Rice University had a first-year preservation charge of 97%. JHVEPhoto/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,118

Retention rate: 97%

UTAH: Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University scoreboard alongside a ample Y logo stands beyond trees and a site below mountains.

Brigham Young University had a first-year preservation charge of 91%. CRobertson/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 3,367

Retention rate: 91%

VERMONT: Middlebury College

Aerial perspective of Middlebury College evidence alongside Old Chapel, tree-lined lawns, rock buildings, and distant mountains. — Middlebury College had a first-year preservation charge of 94%. Courtesy of Middlebury College

Adjusted first-year cohort: 615

Retention rate: 94%

VIRGINIA: University of Virginia (Main Campus)

The Rotunda at the University of Virginia stands rearward broad steps under a blue, partially cloudy sky. — The University of Virginia (Main Campus) had a first-year preservation charge of 98%. Leonid Andronov/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 3,965

Retention rate: 98%

WASHINGTON: University of Washington (Seattle campus)

Drumheller Fountain sprays in forefront of masonry block University of Washington evidence buildings under a cloudy blue sky. — The University of Washington (Seattle Campus) had a first-year preservation charge of 95%. gmc3101/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 6,928

Retention rate: 95%

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia University

Red-brick university buildings alongside a lit clock tower encircle a landscaped courtyard at sunset. — West Virginia University had a first-year preservation charge of 83%. BackyardProduction/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Adjusted first-year cohort: 4,370

Retention rate: 83%

WISCONSIN: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Red masonry block collegiate construction alongside arched entrance and pedestrians on a sunny tree-lined evidence walkway. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison had a first-year preservation charge of 96%. GummyBone/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 7,937

Retention rate: 96%

WYOMING: University of Wyoming

Glass greenhouse construction stands beside a masonry block construction on a landscaped grassland under a partially cloudy sky. — The University of Wyoming had a first-year preservation charge of 80%. GummyBone/Getty Images

Adjusted first-year cohort: 1,422

Retention rate: 80%

The college with the highest first-year retention rate in every state

ALABAMA: Auburn University

ALASKA: University of Alaska Fairbanks

ARIZONA: Arizona State University (Campus Immersion)

ARKANSAS: University of Arkansas

CALIFORNIA: Claremont McKenna College

COLORADO: United States Air Force Academy

CONNECTICUT: United States Coast Guard Academy

DELAWARE: University of Delaware

FLORIDA: University of Florida

GEORGIA: Georgia Institute of Technology (Main Campus)

HAWAII: University of Hawaii at Mānoa

IDAHO: The College of Idaho

ILLINOIS: University of Chicago

INDIANA: University of Notre Dame

IOWA: Grinnell College

KANSAS: University of Kansas

KENTUCKY: Centre College

LOUISIANA: Tulane University of Louisiana

MAINE: Bowdoin College

MARYLAND: Johns Hopkins University

MASSACHUSETTS: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MICHIGAN: Hillsdale College

MINNESOTA: Carleton College

MISSISSIPPI: University of Mississippi

MISSOURI: Washington University in St. Louis

MONTANA: Carroll College

NEBRASKA: Creighton University

NEVADA: University of Nevada-Reno

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Dartmouth College

NEW JERSEY: Princeton University

NEW MEXICO: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

NEW YORK: Columbia University in the City of New York

NORTH CAROLINA: Duke University

NORTH DAKOTA: University of Mary

OHIO: Ohio State University (Main Campus)

OKLAHOMA: University of Tulsa

OREGON: Lewis & Clark College

PENNSYLVANIA: University of Pennsylvania

RHODE ISLAND: Brown University

SOUTH CAROLINA: Clemson University

SOUTH DAKOTA: Augustana University

TENNESSEE: Vanderbilt University

TEXAS: Rice University

UTAH: Brigham Young University

VERMONT: Middlebury College

VIRGINIA: University of Virginia (Main Campus)

WASHINGTON: University of Washington (Seattle campus)

WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia University

WISCONSIN: University of Wisconsin-Madison

WYOMING: University of Wyoming

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