Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is starting the Spring 2025 semester with an impressive milestone, recording an 80% retention rate among students who began in the Fall 2024 semester.
Record-Breaking Numbers for CMU
According to David Ludlam, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, CMU welcomed its largest-ever freshman class in August 2024.
“When you compare that to what’s happening nationwide around higher education, CMU’s banner year, our milestone record-setting year with our incoming freshman class, really sets us apart,” said Ludlam.
The university is not only celebrating its achievements from the previous fall but is also on track to break records for the current spring semester.
Retention Rate Well Above National Average
“What we’re seeing this semester is that we have an almost 80% retention rate from the students who came in this last year,” Ludlam noted. “That’s well above the national average and is bucking trends. It’s something that we’re incredibly proud of, and we attribute it to the way we treat students when they arrive at CMU.”
Nationally, retention rates have been a challenge for many institutions, but CMU’s ability to maintain and grow its student population highlights the effectiveness of its strategies.
A “Human Scale University” Approach
Ludlam credits much of CMU’s success to its unique culture, emphasizing what he calls a “Human Scale University” approach.
“Everybody really is trained to serve students because, in the end, that’s what makes them feel welcome. It gives them a sense of belonging, and I think it’s what you can attribute to our retention rates being what they are,” he explained.
This approach fosters close-knit relationships between faculty, staff, and students, helping students feel supported and valued.
Looking Ahead
Ludlam remains optimistic about CMU’s future, projecting even higher retention and enrollment figures for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“The future looks bright for our institution,” he said confidently.
As CMU continues to grow and outperform national trends, the university is solidifying its reputation as a student-centered institution committed to long-term success.