University retention rates have increased steadily since 1987. About 58.9 percent of the 2002 freshman class graduated within six years — an almost 20 percent increase, from 39.4 percent, since the 1987 freshman class, according to the Office of Budget and Planning.
The University’s 2007 retention rate, 58.4 percent, is the second lowest of 12 peer institutions. The average rate of the peer institutions is 70 percent.
 
—-Contact Emily Holden at eholden@lsureveille.com