The summer sun and month-long winter holiday celebrations are not keeping students from returning to the University in following semesters.
Data by the Office of Budget and Planning show the University has a high enrollment retention rate post-admission, one that remains unaffected by extended holiday or summer breaks.
This year, about 85 percent of the 5,498 freshman undergraduates in 2013 returned for a second year. In 1987, the retention rate was nearly 69 percent for 4,740 freshmen.
According to the OBP’s research, the enrollment trend positively correlates with ACT composite scores. The data show as the University’s average composite scores have increased, so have the number of students returning to the University after their first semester.
Currently, 30,451 students are enrolled at the University — a number that has increased by nearly 600 since fall 2013.
Business junior Peter Church said the University does not have to worry about breaks influencing enrollment or retention because breaks like summer and Christmas make students want to enroll again.
“Being at LSU is usually more fun than being at home, where a student might have to return to a nine-to-five job,” Church said. “Baton Rouge is where your friends are.”
Church said a small number of people he knows have left the University after their first semester because they were unable to maintain their grades, but that number is not significant enough to have an impact on enrollment.
“I don’t know anyone who has transferred solely because they did not enjoy the University,” Church said.
Psychology senior Paige Guidry disagreed, saying the breaks from schoolwork do have an impact because that is when most opportunities, like high- paying jobs, present themselves.
For 2013 and 2014, OBP data show the biggest decline in enrollment happens between fall of a student’s sophomore year and fall of his or her junior year.
Guidry said increased workload, as well as a lower level of motivation, contribute to this decline. What keeps her retuning to the University, are sports, organizations and her drive for excellence.
However, Church said the University could improve enrollment rates by better acclimating students.
“Freshman year is the most crucial,” Church said. “If a student does not do well, his or her low GPA could be detrimental to student motivation and, by default, enrollment.”