Louisville, Kentucky, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The University of Louisville has reported historic milestones in undergraduate retention rates with a 9.8% increase in persistence and a 7.9% boost in retention. The university’s expanded support services and partnerships with local colleges contributed to a growth of transfer students by 39.1% over two years. UofL recently unveiled the new Student Success & Research Building, enhancing resources for students, reinforcing its role as a leader in education accessibility.
Louisville, Kentucky — The University of Louisville (UofL) has reported record undergraduate retention rates and significant enhancements to student support services in the past academic year. Kentucky has emerged as a leader in the nation for one-year gains in undergraduate persistence and retention, with increases of 9.8% and 7.9%, respectively. UofL’s contributions have helped the state surpass the national averages for both metrics.
UofL’s commitment to student success—from initial enrollment through graduation—has resulted in historic milestones for retention and enrollment figures. Moreover, the university has established itself as a premier transfer destination within Kentucky. The number of transfer students has seen a remarkable growth from 868 in Fall 2021 to 1,207 in Fall 2023—a 39.1% increase in just two years.
To facilitate this growth, UofL has expanded partnerships with all 16 institutions in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, offering a variety of support services, including scholarships and financial aid. A key component of UofL’s support network is the introduction of a Student Success Coordinator role. This position is designed to assist students in navigating various challenges they may face, whether they are financial, personal, or academic in nature.
In addition, the university has enhanced its Cardinal Commitment Grant, which provides renewable financial assistance to cover educational expenses. This grant specifically addresses the financial gap between total costs of attendance and existing financial aid for students, making education more affordable.
UofL has also recently celebrated the opening of a significant new facility for the J.B. Speed School of Engineering: the Student Success & Research Building. This 114,000-square-foot structure is dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation among students and staff. The project was executed with a budget of $90 million, primarily funded by a $65 million commitment from the state of Kentucky and nearly $10 million in philanthropic contributions.
The newly constructed Speed School building features modern classrooms and lab facilities, along with a range of support services for students. The facility will provide spaces for academic counseling, tutoring, co-op coordination, and admissions support, all designed to enhance the educational experience at UofL. This milestone coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Speed School’s founding, signaling a century of commitment to engineering education.
UofL President Gerry Bradley stated that the university is focused on fostering innovation to equip students with the skills needed for a technology-driven workforce. This approach aims to not only improve retention and support but also ensure a successful transition from education to career for its graduates.
Impact on Students
The concerted efforts on retention and student support are expected to not only uplift UofL’s enrollment figures but also enhance the overall experience of students on campus. With resources readily available, students can focus more on their academic and personal development without the additional stress of navigating challenges alone.
Future Goals
The University of Louisville continues to set ambitious goals regarding student success, aiming to strengthen its programs and partnerships. As UofL pursues its mission to be a leader in higher education accessibility and support, the university is poised to further impact the state of Kentucky positively.
Summary of Key Achievements
- University of Louisville achieved record undergraduate retention rates.
- Kentucky led the nation in gains in one-year undergraduate persistence (9.8%) and retention (7.9%).
- Transfer student numbers grew by 39.1% from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023.
- Expansion of partnerships with all Kentucky Community and Technical College System schools.
- Cardinal Commitment Grant enhanced to cover the financial gap for students.
- Opening of the Student Success & Research Building at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering.
FAQs
What is the University of Louisville’s retention rate achievement?
The University of Louisville has achieved record undergraduate retention rates, contributing to Kentucky’s leadership in the nation for one-year gains in undergraduate persistence and retention.
How has UofL supported transfer students?
The university has established itself as a leading transfer destination, with an increase in transfer student numbers from 868 in Fall 2021 to 1,207 in Fall 2023.
What resources does UofL provide for student support?
UofL offers a variety of support services, including scholarships, financial aid, and the assistance of a Student Success Coordinator who helps students navigate challenges.
What facilities have been opened recently?
The J.B. Speed School of Engineering has opened the Student Success & Research Building, a state-of-the-art facility designed for collaboration and innovation in education.
How is the Cardinal Commitment Grant structured?
The Cardinal Commitment Grant provides renewable financial aid to cover the gap between existing financial aid and the total cost of attendance for students.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Record Retention Rate | Achieved historic undergraduate retention rates in 2024 |
| Transfer Student Growth | 39.1% increase from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023 |
| Partnerships | Expanded partnerships with Kentucky Community and Technical College System |
| Cardinal Commitment Grant | Renewable financial aid to cover education costs |
| New Building | Student Success & Research Building opened at Speed School |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News 1: UofL Cuts Ribbon on $90M Student Success and Research Building
- Wikipedia: University of Louisville
- UofL News: Speed School Opens $90M Student Success & Research Building
- Google Search: University of Louisville Student Success
- Wave 3 News: UofL Engineering School Opens $90 Million Research Facility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
- Lane Report: UofL Enrollment and Retention Progress
- Google News: Louisville Education
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