From Orientation to Graduation: How to Reduce Attrition at Every Stage
Student attrition is one of the most persistent challenges facing higher education institutions. While much attention is often given to recruitment, retaining students throughout their academic journey—from the initial orientation to the moment they graduate—is equally critical. To effectively reduce attrition, universities must adopt a comprehensive, student-centered approach that anticipates needs and addresses challenges at each stage of the student lifecycle. Why Attrition Requires a Holistic Approach Attrition doesn't occur in a vacuum. Students withdraw from university for a variety of reasons—academic, financial, social, or personal—and these factors can emerge at different times. A one-size-fits-all retention strategy fails to account for the evolving needs of students. To truly improve student success , institutions must identify risks and apply timely interventions that align with each stage of the student experience. Stage 1: Orientation and Onboarding – Laying the Fo...