Abstract
The ultimate way to increase the retention rate - the percentage of students who return to study after the first year - is to increase admission standards. Similarly, to increase the six-year graduation rates - the national effectiveness measure for students completing baccalaureate degrees - increase admission standards. The most heartless thing to do to is to accept students who are not ready. The most wasteful thing a university can do is take on students who will be unsuccessful in completing their studies. Lost opportunity costs accrue to both student and institution.
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