Persistence rates measure how many postsecondary enrollees return for a second year of postsecondary studies. Overall persistence rates in Texas postsecondary institutions are generally high, but there are important disparities to note. In addition to differing persistence rates by gender, household income, and race; persistence also varies by full-time versus part-time enrollment status and institution type. Longitudinal factors such as the quantity and quality of high school math courses taken and postsecondary readiness indicators demonstrated in high school can impact persistence. For students of color and students from low-income households, unexpected costs and messages about belonging can also impact persistence.

Changes to policies and practices, such as the implementation of co-requisite models that support students in completing developmental and gateway math courses simultaneously, and bridge grant programs that assist students with unexpected one-time costs, can have large impacts on student persistence rates.

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