CRETE, Neb. - Doane University says its retention rate from the fall semester to the spring semester this school year is the highest it's been in 20 years.

The small NAIA school in Crete announced in a press release this month that more than 93 percent of enrolled first-time, first-year students stayed at the school from the end of the fall and into the spring semesters. That first-year retention rate, a key figure among university administrators, is Doane's highest in a couple of decades, a number the school says greatly exceeds the national average.


The school believes this retention is a reflection of the school's recent investment in growth and in its student body, as Doane President Roger Hughes said in an interview with NCN earlier this month.

"In just a short time here in the last year, we've opened up a new residence hall, we've remodeled our dining hall, we opened up a new events center, we have this groundbreaking [for a new performing arts center], and we've just gotten a substantial gift for a new business-slash-engineering building moving forward," Hughes said. "Doane has really made the commitment to invest in our students, and to invest in the future, and it's fun to be a part of that."

The school says the total enrollment on the Crete campus has risen to 841 students, its highest in four years.

“Here at Doane, we’re always focused on the student experience. We want to create the best experience that we can, and that means the best faculty, the best facilities," Hughes said. "There have been other schools in the state who have put money into buildings that have seen an increase to their enrollment, and certainly we feel that same thing could happen here once we get the facilities to draw the students."

The following is the university's press release reprinted in full courtesy of Doane's media relations team.

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Doane University Celebrates Record-High Retention Rates

CRETE, Neb. — Doane University has announced record-breaking retention rates for the 2024-25 academic year, marking a historic achievement on its Crete campus.

The fall-to-spring retention rate for first-time, first-year students reached an impressive 93.63%, the highest in 20 years. This achievement highlights the university’s commitment to student success and the dedicated efforts of faculty, staff, and leadership across campus.

The Crete campus enrollment has reached 841 students, including 23 new and transfer students — the highest in four years. Doane’s first-year retention rate of 93.63% significantly surpasses state and national averages. According to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, the overall full-time retention rate for Nebraska’s public four-year institutions was 77.2% in fall 2022, compared to a national average of 81.1%. Data also indicates that retention rates at selective private liberal arts colleges can often exceed 90%.

Doane's impressive retention rate not only reflects its commitment to student success but also positions it well above these benchmarks. Lorie Cook Benjamin, Doane’s chief academic officer, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this success.

“Doane is extremely proud of our faculty and staff for all of their efforts to serve Doane students. The higher retention rate would not be possible without everyone working collaboratively to support our students, including, but not limited to, Doane faculty, Academic Advising, Academic Support Center, Business Office, CARE Team, and members of the Undergraduate Acceptance, Retention, and Persistence (UARP) Committee,” Cook Benjamin said.

The Undergraduate Acceptance, Retention, and Persistence (UARP) Committee was launched in the fall of 2024 to foster collaboration and track students' progress from acceptance through graduation. The committee meets twice per semester to review data and trends from various areas of the university, including the CARE Team, fine arts, athletics, residence life, and financial wellness.

UARP also has subcommittees that focus on conditional admissions and supporting students facing academic probation or suspension. Lori Thompson, Doane’s director of student retention initiatives, highlighted the strategic and empathetic approach to student success.

“Doane's focus on collaboration, connecting to resources, understanding the student journey, and walking alongside our students are all key components of our ability to retain students at such record highs. We believe in our leadership, faculty, staff, and students' desire to make Doane the absolute best,” Thompson said.

Doane University President Roger Hughes recognized the dedication of the entire campus community.

“These benchmarks reflect the commitment of our faculty and staff to building the university everyone wants to be like,” Hughes said.

This achievement holds significant importance in the higher education landscape, where retaining students remains a key indicator of institutional success and student engagement. Doane’s ability to surpass state and national benchmarks demonstrates not only the effectiveness of its academic and support initiatives but also the steadfast commitment of its faculty, staff, and students to academic excellence and personal growth. The university’s collaborative culture ensures that students are supported at every stage of their educational journey, setting a benchmark for higher education institutions across the region.