The concept of academic momentum relies on specific metrics updated on a scheduled cadence to ensure students are on a path to achieve academic goals. Its application can help students avoid first-year mistakes that increase the risk of dropping out and reduce the potential of accruing unnecessary credits and debt along the way.
Through an analysis of multiple higher education systems, researchers at the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, identified three key factors for creating first-year momentum:
Gateway course completion: Core English and math requirements
Program momentum: Nine credits in the student’s academic focus area
First-year credits: 30 credits taken in the first year
A report titled What is Academic Momentum, and Does it Matter? from the Education Commission of the States found a strong correlation between freshman student behaviors and increased degree completion. Conversely, students who took an overloaded schedule of more than 18 credit hours were less likely to attain a degree.
First-year students who take at least three courses connected to what they think they want to study are 40% more likely to graduate than students who do not. 
Momentum Year success stories from the University of Georgia, Complete College America and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education demonstrate Momentum Year metrics are instrumental in helping institutions achieve initiatives to increase degree velocity and on-time degree completion.
Once your institution has set its sights on tracking Momentum Year metrics, it’s time to talk to Ad Astra. The Momentum experts at Ad Astra can assist with evaluating and measuring your institution’s Momentum Year efforts and ask critical questions.
Ad Astra can help your organization use data to improve student success and degree completion efforts.
