Belonging: the secret sauce of student retention

Why students leave — and why they stay

Current data on college retention are sobering. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports that the average student‑retention rate is around 75 percent, meaning one in four students never completes a degree at their first institution. Lower completion rates hurt students’ earning power and harm institutional reputations. Researchers studying retention argue that dropping out often has little to do with academic ability. Instead, students cite costs, social isolation, unclear expectations and personal challenges as reasons for leaving. This points to an uncomfortable truth: students aren’t just quitting classes; they’re disengaging from communities.

The academic case for belonging

Academic scholars have increasingly focused on belonging as a predictor of retention. A critical literature review of more than one hundred studies concluded that a strong sense of belonging is closely linked to student engagement, well‑being and retention. Positive experiences — such as personalized support from staff and experiential teaching methods — help students feel that they matter. Conversely, negative experiences like being stereotyped by staff reduce belonging and increase dropout risk. The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) reports that simple interventions can make a measurable difference: when hundreds of faculty adopted practices that fostered belonging, the share of students earning As or Bs increased by 12 percent, while Ds/Fs or withdrawals fell by 26 percen. Students who received probation letters redesigned to reduce shame were 17 percentage points more likely to be off probation and 31 percentage points more likely to still be enrolled a year later. When first‑year Latinx students participated in a growth‑mindset exercise that emphasised neuroplasticity, their GPAs improved and the GPA gap between White and Latinx students shrank. In short, students who feel welcomed and capable stick around.

Communities don’t just happen — they’re built

Institutions can’t assume that a sense of community will emerge on its own. Ready Education’s guide to student retention reminds administrators that integration must be both academic and social. Universities should clearly define what success looks like and help students map a path to reach it. Orientation programs that connect new students with peers, advisors and mentors before classes start promote early engagement. Early alerts that track attendance, credit completion and other warning signs allow staff to intervene before problems become crises. And building supportive small‑group communities — through residence halls, learning communities, peer mentoring or student organizations — helps students feel seen and valued.

The Student Success Game: belonging through play

Belonging isn’t built solely through formal programs; it also grows organically when students interact in ways that are authentic and fun. That’s where the Student Success Game comes in. Developed by E.I. Games in collaboration with college students, the game is an award‑winning gamified course designed specifically to curb first‑year attrition. It acts as both a support system and an early‑warning mechanism for students who might be struggling. eigames.com. Players work through scenarios that mirror real‑life challenges — from homesickness and failed quizzes to juggling work, coursework and stress — and they’re encouraged to make emotionally intelligent decisions. eigames.com. By confronting these situations in a safe, engaging environment, students not only practise resilience but also connect with peers who share similar experiences.

Real talk: retention isn’t charity

Institutions sometimes treat retention initiatives as acts of generosity rather than strategic imperatives. In reality, retention is directly tied to an institution’s sustainability. Service quality, student satisfaction and trust lead to loyalty. Strong advising, meaningful faculty‑student relationships and supportive campus communities boost students’ sense of belonging and commitment. A university that prioritises belonging and engages students holistically reaps the benefits in higher graduation rates and stronger reputations.

If you’re ready to invest in strategies that work, start by building communities that welcome every learner. And consider integrating playful, research‑backed tools like the Student Success Game. Because when students feel they belong, they stay — and everyone wins.