ACTION PLAN - University of Ulster

The following was obtained from the January 7, 2003 Retention
Consulting Visit One Report and gives an indication of the need for
improvement in the ULM retention and graduation rates as compared
to retention and graduation statistics for similar universities.
Retention and Graduation Rates
According to ACT classification by standardized tests, the University of Louisiana at
Monroe is a “traditional” institution, though on the low end of the range of
preparedness as measured by standardized national tests. The charts below show
average retention and graduation rates of comparable institutions – public colleges
whose highest award granted is a doctoral degree (ACT, 2002).
Selectivity Levels as Defined by Standardized Test Scores
University of Louisiana at Monroe
January 7, 2003
Selectivity Level ACT Scores SAT Scores
Highly Selective 27-31 1220-1380
Selective 22-27 1030-1220
Traditional 20-23* 950-1070
Liberal 18-21 870-990
Open 17-20 830-950
*ULM’s current ACT requirement of 22 places the institution at the traditional level of
selectivity.
First- to Second-Year Retention
The chart below shows average retention rates of first-time, full-time students to the second year
at comparable institutions (ACT, 2002).
National Average Retention Rates by Selectivity of Institution
University of Louisiana at Monroe
January 7, 2003
Admissions Selectivity A.A. B.A. M.A. Ph.D.
Highly Selective 88.6 88.5 91.6
Selective 77.6 78.3 80.2
Traditional 57.7 71.5 71.4 72.0*
Liberal 54.9 67.2 65.4 68.2
Open 51.6 55.3 54.9 63.5
*ULM’s three-year average retention rate is 60.2 percent.