Why Momentum Year Matters

Colleges and universities historically track first-year retention to spot potential challenges in the critical first and second terms of a student's educational journey. Yet this lagging indicator is arguably insufficient when helping leaders make informed decisions about actionable interventions to support on-time degree completion. 

This is why institutions that seek a leading, actionable indicator of graduation rates are choosing a Momentum Year approach to close gaps in outcomes. Tracking momentum metrics for students during their crucial first-year of college allows for timely intervention and demonstration of a student’s progress along the way.

Defining Momentum 

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.

A Student in Motion Stays in Motion

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.