Student Success Metrics

Student retention rates are comparable with other universities of the same size and classification. The below Table shows the trend for undergraduate retention rates for the three campuses. Retention rates across all programs and locations are almost identical.

Retention Rate Calculation Methodology

Percentages of students entering each Fall as first-time degree-seeking students who return as second year students (either in Fall or Spring). Excluding special, cross and transfer students but including Freshman.

Main Campus

North Lebanon Campus

Shouf Campus

Graduation rates shown in the below table were somehow stable in the Main and Shouf campuses over the past five years. A slight dip of around 12.5% is observed in NLC campus in 2019-2020. This is mainly due to the political and economic situation the Lebanese were subjected to since the start of the unrest period in the country coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, which was more intense in the North of Lebanon where there is more poverty. It is worthwhile mentioning that prior to the unrest period and COVID-19 pandemic, almost 30% of NDU students were self-supporting and relied on part time jobs to meet their tuition commitments. Student Satisfaction Surveys often indicated that students took a semester or sometimes one year off to save money for their education.

Graduation Rates Calculation Methodology

Main Campus

North Lebanon Campus

Shouf Campus

The Licensure Passage rate is another monitored student achievement performance. The following major graduate students sit for a National Licensure Passage exam: Nutrition & Dietetics, Nursing, Medical Lab Technology, Law, and Psychology. As shown in the table below, the passage rate is very high and satisfactory. * Note: During the year 2019-2020, the Bar Association Exam was not held.

The Class of 2018-2019 Employability Survey conducted by the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs (ODAA) during AY 2020-2021, with the support of OIRA, shows a slight year to year improvement of the employability for this cohort, despite the economic instability that was reigning for years now; the employability rate is maintaining an average of 52.66% in the last three academic years, regardless of the link to field of study for undergraduate students. The employability rate for graduate students, before or within 6 months of their graduation is 75% of respondents, among which 26% reported receiving a promotion after their Masters graduation.

In terms of internships and job opportunities, the Department of Career and Placement (DCP) under the Office of Students Affairs (SAO) is securing about 567 internship opportunities for Academic Year 2018-2019 along with 129 employment vacancies, in Lebanon and regionally, serving both students and alumni. ODAA works on actively referring alumni who can offer jobs and internships to NDUers.

Surveyed undergraduate alumni reported a greater support from the Career & Placement in helping them finding a job. The number moved to 18.35% for AY2018-2019, more than the double of the results reported during AY2017-2018 (7%). As for the graduate alumni 4.88% reported receiving support from the Career & Placement department.