Case Study: South Plains College achieves major transfer‑student retention gains (80–88% vs. 46%) with Ruffalo Noel Levitz

South Plains College - Customer Case Study

South Plains College (Texas) turned to Ruffalo Noel Levitz to identify which retention initiatives were needed to meet Title III and Title V grant objectives. The college sought student satisfaction data to pinpoint issues—finding that students in technical programs felt strong faculty ties while the transfer population lacked that same faculty alliance.

Ruffalo Noel Levitz conducted student satisfaction research and recommended targeted retention strategies; South Plains implemented a pilot intrusive advising program for transfer students requiring at least three scheduled meetings in the first semester, including one to develop a degree success plan. After one year, retention for the treatment group was 80–88% compared with 46% for the control group, showing a clear, measurable impact.

South Plains College

Gail Malone

Director, Title V