UI sets new records in student retention, graduation

The University of Iowa set new record student retention and graduation rates in 2025, reflecting its continued investment in student success, its dedicated faculty and staff, and the momentum gained through the strategic plan.

First- to second-year retention climbed to 90.9% in fall 2025, an increase of 0.5 percentage points and marked the fourth consecutive year the university has reached a new high for this measure. The percentage of students completing their undergraduate degree at Iowa also reached a record level, with six-year and four-year graduation rates rising to 75.8% and 66%, respectively.

Even small gains in retention add up over time. With more than 5,000 new first-year students annually, a 1% increase translates to about 50 additional students continuing their education at Iowa each year.

"Investing in our faculty and strengthening the academic and support services available to students has led to significant gains in retention and graduation," says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. "These efforts show our commitment to ensuring students who choose Iowa have the tools they need to succeed."

The progress over the last few years shows the university is putting its strategic plan into practice. Across campus, departments have worked together to better support students by easing the transition to college, improving the learning environment, and creating more opportunities that connect classroom learning to future careers.

Recent success stories include initiatives like the Learning Assistants Program,which places undergraduate peer leaders in large STEM classes to support learning. These students encourage participation and give classmates another avenue to ask questions.

More than a dozen student success initiatives funded through the UI's P3 Programalso have contributed to increased retention and graduation rates. Funding has helped launch a new mobile appfor students, improve career developmenttools, and create a new professional developmentprogram for teaching-focused faculty.

Need-based financial support a boon to retention

Many students rely on financial aid to pay for college, but for some students, it still doesn't cover the full cost. To help close that gap, UI invests nearly $1 million each year in targeted, need-based financial assistance through three grants: The Student Life Emergency Grant, Hawkeye Retention Grant, and Hawkeye Completion Grant. These small grants-often $1,000 or less-help students manage unexpected financial challenges that might otherwise prevent them from completing their degrees.

"Need-based grants are more than financial support; they're a lifeline," says Sarah Hansen, vice president for student life. "When a student is on the verge of stepping away from their education because of cost, these grants help keep their goals within reach."

Findings from a P3-funded study on the use and impact of these grants show that grant recipients achieved higher GPAs, earned more credits, stayed in school, and graduated at higher rates than their peers.

Olivia Eaton, a fourth-year student studying political science, says the Student Life Emergency Grant was critical to her being able to continue pursuing her degree. After transferring to Iowa, she faced significant challenges with her living arrangement and at one point exhausted her savings trying to find housing.

"Receiving emergency funding changed everything," says Eaton. "It allowed me to stabilize, focus on my education, and feel secure again. The University of Iowa welcomed me in and gave me a home when I needed it most."