Measures of Student Achievement

2018 ACT research: The national average for the retention of first year students is 75% for institutions like the University of Lynchburg. We expect to retain at or higher than the national average for similar institutions. For the first time, full time cohorts beginning in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, we have exceeded our benchmark.

2018 ACT research: The average graduation rates for institutions similar to the University of Lynchburg are as follows: 42% in four years and 55% in six years. The benchmark for the University of Lynchburg is to be at or exceed the national average according to ACT research. Cohorts since 2013 have exceeded the national average for four year and six year graduation rates.

• Professional Program Pass Rates on Licensure Requirements/Exams (PDF)

The University’s Writing with Evidence (WE) program provides increased focused on writing with evidence. WE courses provide students with instruction and practice with the writing process. Writing is also a general education competency.

Each year, a sample of about 150 papers from the general education capstone course is scored by a team of assessors using the University’s persuasive communication rubric. The benchmark for this indicator, as set by the General Education Oversight Committee, is 80% of students to score a 3 or higher on each criterion of the rubric.

Assessment results from the capstone general education course:

• Writing with Evidence: Quality Enhancement Plan (PDF)

The benchmark was met in 2019-20 for three of five areas. As the WE program has expanded, we have seen increases in the percentage of students reaching a three on a zero to five scale.

• Graduates with Completed Internships: Undergraduates Only (PDF)

Graduating seniors are surveyed to learn about career plans at the point of graduation and during the following year. A career plan is defined as any type of employment, continuing education or service. The goal for the graduating class is 86% will be engaged in a career plan within a year of graduation. A knowledge rate is captured as the percent of the class for whom we have career information.

• Alumni Outcomes