Enrollment and retention rates are increasing at Indiana University Northwest, according to a campus census report.
The campus has also seen positive trends in graduation rates and grades among students.
“IU Northwest is proud to be IU in the region, providing a first-rate education that prepares our students to become our region’s future leaders, professionals and global thinkers,” said Vicki Román-Lagunas, IU Northwest interim chancellor, in a press release.
Per Indiana University’s census data, IU Northwest’s fall 2024 enrollment data showed a 3% increase in overall credit hours. This marks IU Northwest’s first year-to-year increase in fall credit hours since 2010. First-year enrollment, students of color and retention rates have also continued to increase.
Over half of IU Northwest students – 56% – identify as persons of color, an 8.2% increase from last year. The university also saw a 9% rise in first-year students, a 5.4% increase in full-time degree-seeking undergraduates and a 25% bump in non-resident students.
As enrollment has increased, so too has student retention. Campus-wide retention rates are at 71.4%, a nearly 10% increase from 2015.
Campus-wide DFW rates (students who receive a D, F or do not finish a course) are 21.8%, a nearly 10% drop from 2015.
In recent years, the campus received two grants from the Department of Education and launched initiatives that enhance the university's focus on student success. Campus leaders, faculty and staff also created a strategic team to address student enrollment and retention.
Students participating in a new summer bridge program have seen higher retention rates than the rest of the student population. Faculty participating in new pedagogical interest groups have seen reduced achievement gaps, lower DFW rates and higher grades among their students. Efforts to enhance infrastructure have led to the creation of the STEM Center and the planning of the Student Success Center.
“We are proud of our campus’s long-standing commitment to provide a truly transformational education that is affordable and accessible—for all,” Román-Lagunas said.
