MORE degree students than ever are completing their studies at the region’s universities, new figures revealed.
But despite improved retention rates, the Daily Post can reveal hundreds of students continue to drop out of courses taken at Liverpool’s three universities and Edge Hill University, in Ormskirk.
The continued failure of students to see out their studies was blamed on everything from “the culture shock” of university to “wild” living and money worries.
Last night, academics attributed measures such as careers advice, student support and better residential facilities for the annual improvement.
Projected figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) showed 1,568 full-time students starting first degrees in 2007/08 will have dropped out before their courses come to an end this summer – around 100 fewer than the previous year.
Liverpool Hope University was home to the biggest annual success story, with the number of students dropping slashed by almost a half.
HESA statistics showed it smashed its 14.9% drop-out rate with just 134 (8.3%) students failing to get to the finishing line.
Vice-chancellor Professor Gerald Pillay said: “We are now seeing the fruits of many years of hard work at Hope, both in regard to student engagement and academic depth. We are committed to creating a collegial university with the emphasis on individual care alongside rigorous academic preparation.”
Measures in place to support students include a “student success zone”, which is a relaxing study area and outlet for students to hire lap-tops.
It is deliberately positioned next to a careers advice office so students worried about their futures can tap into the latest advice.
Hope University secretary Graham Donelan said: “It is all very well receiving record applications, but we are only funded if students complete the year.
“In any economic climate it is important, but at the moment even more so.”
The University of Liverpool improved its retention rates, with 320 students (8.6%) due to fail to complete degrees this summer, compared to 351 the previous year (9.6%).
A spokesman said the figures showed “students have a high level of satisfaction with all aspects of our provision”.
