RETENTION

Statistics continue to show that Rising Star works with a 76 percent total retention rate of Fall 2006 first-year students returning in Fall 2007. This is way above state and national averages (See comparisons chart below.) and an improvement from Rising Star’s initial retention rate (59 percent) of its first class from 1999 to 2000.

Rising Star students do not have the financial burdens that most college students carry; therefore, they are more likely to stay in school and continue their academic pursuits.

"We see Rising Star as a catalyst for similar programs around the country. By supporting Rising Star, we are also helping to promote its vision, its message in other communities through its example." -Christa Overcash Rising Star Legacy Leader

* Source: The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. Measuring Up 2006: The National Report on Higher Education.
http://measuringup.highereducation.org