Student retention increases 8% with parent engagement

On average, student retention was 8% higher for a student when their parent or guardian received regular updates on student progress, compared to students with a parent who did not receive similar updates. 

CampusESP recently conducted an exploratory study of parent engagement and student retention based on 6,438 students enrolled at nine universities in the Fall of 2020. At most schools, the more frequently a parent received academic and financial updates on their student, the more likely the student remained enrolled and made progress toward completing their degree. 

Additionally, the data showed that the impact of parent engagement on retention is highest for students of color.

For this research, parent engagement consisted of updates sent to parents and guardians on student progress through the school’s CampusESP family portal using our digital FERPA waiver feature.

These results complement earlier studies initiated by CampusESP on the impact of parents on student retention and persistence, including a 2017 Tarleton State University which showed that students whose families are involved with academic support are more likely to persist, and a 2018 study with Abilene Christian University that confirmed that parent engagement improves student persistence.

The results are clear and encouraging: parent engagement matters in student retention. Providing families with critical financial and academic information allows them to support their student, encourage them to stay on track, and ultimately contribute to their long-term success.