What is academic attrition?

Question

How exactly is this defined? Is it just a drop-out rate or is it partially based on fail-outs?

Answer 1

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa...

This research summary defines several factors, it's students who do not re-enroll, hence do not graduate.  Factors are varied.  We do know that the highest rate occurs during the freshman year.  It's due to failure, financial problems, etc.  (college prof)

Answer 2

Academic attrition is the "fail out" rate.  The drop-out rate can be comprised of many different academic and non-academic factors.  

When considering academic attrition, we are only interested in student losses based on academic factors.

We usually consider the obverse in total attrition (drop-out rate).  That is, we calculate the retention rate (percent of student's that return) and then use that number to calculate the total rate of attrition.

Some attrition is expected as a result of transfer, changing goals, family obligation, financial changes, health considerations, and even student death.  These are not academic considerations.

It's best to offer a specific definition if you are writing on the subject.