Asbury University Retention Rate Exceeds National Average by More Than 16 Points

Christ-Centered Community and Student Support Help Students Thrive from Their First Year Forward

Asbury’s retention rate significantly exceeds the national average, reflecting the University’s commitment to helping students flourish academically, spiritually, and personally throughout their college experience.

Asbury University’s first-year student retention rate of 86.1% significantly exceeds the national average of 69.5%, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s 2025 Persistence and Retention Report, highlighting the University’s success in helping students thrive academically, spiritually, and personally. 

Student retention is one of the strongest indicators of institutional effectiveness and student satisfaction. The measure reflects how well a university supports students as they transition into college life, engage in their academic programs, build meaningful relationships, and continue progressing toward graduation. 

We have a lot of great faculty and staff members that invest in the lives of Asbury students.”

Joe Bruner Asbury University Vice President for Student Life

“We also have some good systems in place that allow us to know when/if students might be struggling so that we can intervene early enough to change the trajectory. These retention numbers are a byproduct of a mission that is focused on the holistic transformation of students.”

The results highlight Asbury’s intentional approach to student success through Christ-centered academics, personal mentorship, a vibrant residential community, and comprehensive student support services. From the moment students arrive on campus, they are surrounded by faculty and staff who invest in their growth and help them navigate the challenges and opportunities of college life.

At Asbury, student success extends beyond the classroom. Students benefit from close relationships with professors, leadership opportunities, spiritual formation experiences, student organizations, residence life programming, and academic support resources designed to help them flourish during their college journey.

Asbury University's commitment to personalized education creates an environment where students are known by name and encouraged to pursue their God-given calling. Faculty members serve not only as educators but also as mentors who guide students academically, professionally, and spiritually.

This culture of care and intentional investment contributes to strong student engagement and helps students build the confidence and skills necessary to persist through graduation.

Retention is closely connected to long-term student outcomes. Students who remain engaged and enrolled are more likely to graduate and successfully pursue careers, graduate education, ministry opportunities, and other vocational pathways.

Asbury’s strong retention rate complements several other indicators of student success. The University reports a 99% career outcomes rate for 2025 graduates, provides financial aid or scholarships to 100% of traditional undergraduate students, and offers more than 120 undergraduate areas of study alongside graduate and online programs.

Together, these outcomes demonstrate Asbury’s commitment to equipping students for lives of leadership, service, and faithful Christian witness.

Asbury’’s focus on academic excellence, spiritual vitality, and meaningful mentorship continues to create an environment where students are empowered to discover their purpose and develop the knowledge, character, and skills needed to make a lasting impact in the world.

For students and families considering college options, Asbury’s retention rate reflects more than a statistic; it represents a community where students find belonging, receive support, and gain the foundation they need to succeed throughout their educational journey and beyond.