Student Achievement

The retention rate calculated in this section is based on the same definitions outlined in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These cohorts include only the first-time, full time Bachelors or Equivalent Degree-Seeking sub-cohort.

The threshold of acceptability is 90% of the five-year average (=55%). The Achievement Goal of 67% is the average of the CU comparison group (Belhaven, Bethel, Charleston Southern, Coker, Cumberland, Florida Memorial, Lindsey Wilson, Lubbock Christian, Mars Hill, Pfeiffer, Thomas More, U of Mobile, U of Mount Olive, and U of the Cumberlands.)

The junior persistence rate calculated in this section is determined by enrollment in the students’ third fall at the institution. The cohorts include all incoming first-time full-time students. 

The threshold of acceptability is 90% of the five-year average (=41%). The Goal is 90% of the retention goal (=58%).

The use of graduation rates as a measure of student success also shows that the university provides an environment conducive for student success. The Goal is to be at the average graduation rates of the 15 institutions in the comparison group. The comparison group was selected based on institutions in SACSCOC region by comparative size, academic status, and financial endowment status.

Table 3-IPEDS Cohort Graduation Percentage (150% Grad Rate, IPEDS one year late)

*Underrepresented Minorities (URM) includes: domestic students in the following race/ethnicities: Black or African American, Hispanics/Latino, Two or more races, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. *Calculated from IPEDS using actual number of graduates and percentage

**Calculated from IPEDS data 150% Graduation Rate definition aligns with the Department of Education and indicates the percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students who completed a degree within 150% of normal time.

Threshold = 90% of five-year CU average.

Goal = average of comparison group.

Course completion is a key indicator of student success at Campbellsville University, supporting the core value of fostering a student-centered environment. The university sets an 85% completion rate as the threshold and aims for a 92% success rate. Grades of F, I, NR, U, and WA are counted as unsuccessful, while NG, W, and WN are excluded from calculations. For example, NG grades are often assigned to components like science labs that are part of a larger course.

Table 4-Course Completion Rates

Certificate in Barbering, Cosmetology, and Limited Medical Radiography use “Certification Pass Rate” as a measure of student achievement. A threshold of 70% average has been set for the programs. The faculty has observed from professional experience that if a class scores 70% or less, students do not have the ability or skills necessary to function in the profession. Given the diverse background of students in the program a goal of 80% pass rate has been selected. This pass rate is calculated allowing 3 attempts within one year of program completion.

The School of Education (SOE) uses PRAXIS Subject Assessment pass rates and job placement data to evaluate student achievement and program effectiveness. In alignment with CAEP standards and the Kentucky Teacher Performance Standards (KTPS/InTASC), the SOE regularly analyzes this data to guide strategic planning and continuous improvement. The university considers PRAXIS success a key indicator of both academic and professional readiness. The SOE aims for a 90% pass rate, reflecting its commitment to rigorous preparation and the CU mission of fostering professional excellence in a supportive environment.

*Graph 1 shows five years of PRAXIS Subject and PLT pass rates. Campbellsville University has consistently exceeded the 85% threshold set by both the state and the university. In 2023–24, the SOE achieved a 93% pass rate, surpassing its 90% goal. Data includes both undergraduate and graduate initial certification students.

*Graph 2 shows employment rates for initial program completers. Campbellsville University’s School of Education sets a 50% employment threshold and a 70% goal, matching the Kentucky average. While some graduates pursue advanced degrees or other paths, 84% of 2023-24 graduates secured jobs in their certified fields, reflecting strong workforce readiness.

The School of Nursing measures student success through first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rates. The graph shows Campbellsville University’s associate degree pass rates over five years compared to the national average. Both ACEN and the Kentucky State Board of Nursing set an 80% pass rate benchmark, which CU’s School of Nursing meets consistently.

All new graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing program on main campus at Campbellsville University had a nursing job within six months of graduation. In 2023, 16 students graduated and of that 0 responded to the survey related to working in their field. However, the SON was able to verify 100% job placement using alternative methods(social media, phone calls, and visual confirmation).

The School of Business, Economics, & Technology (SBET) assesses graduate student success through course projects, reports, and capstone work across its various master’s programs, including ITM, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Computer Science, Management, and Business Administration. The Business Outcomes Assessment Committee reviews this data annually to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans. SBET has set an 80% pass rate threshold, equivalent to a “B” grade, with a goal of 85%. For 2023–24, the average professional pass rate improved, reflecting ongoing student achievement and program growth.

Threshold for graduate students passing set objectives is 80% and the goal is 85%. MSDSAI and MSCC graduates are only included in 2023-24 AY due to being the first round of graduates for both programs.

The faculty of the MSW consider the first three competencies of the SLO assessment process as a measure of student achievement as given in the following table.

The benchmark was set by MSW faculty in a discussion on whether to have the benchmark of 80% score 3.5 out of the maximum 5.0 or 70% score 4.0 on the 5.0 maximum scale. The faculty determined it was better to shoot for the higher score of 4.0. Thus, having the Threshold and Goal both listed as “70% of students in both categories will score 4.0 out of a maximum of 5.0 on the Rubric.”