COKER AT A GLANCE
Coker’s Student Population
Fall 2023 Enrollment and Student Characteristics as reported to IPEDS
Coker’s Student Enrollment
| Total Enrollment | 1263 |
| Undergraduate | 1187 |
| Graduate | 76 |
Student Achievement Goals and Outcomes
Coker University has identified the following goals and outcomes for student achievement:
| Measure | Threshold of Acceptability (Minimum Target) | Goal (Target Level of Performance) | Outcome(Results) |
| Graduation:IPEDS Outcome Measures 8 Yr Grad Rate | 40% | 55% | 49% |
| Graduation:Graduate Students | 80% | 90% | 80% |
| Retention:1st Year to 2nd Year Retention | 55% | 66% | 62% |
| Course Completion: % of courses with >25% DWFI | <20% of courses with >25% DFWI rate | <10% of courses with >25% DFWI rate | Fall 2023: 13.5%Spring 2024: 11.4% |
| Degree Progression: % students on track to reach 120 hours by 4th year | 1) 60% of Freshmen will have earned 30 hours after their first year of enrollment2) 65% of Sophomores will have earned 60 hours after their second year of enrollment3) 70% of Juniors will have earned 90 hours after their third year of enrollment | 1) 70% of Freshmen will have earned 30 hours after their first year of enrollment2) 75% of Sophomores will have earned 60 hours after their second year of enrollment3) 80% of Juniors will have earned 90 hours after their third year of enrollment | 1) Freshmen: 63% after Sp242) Sophomores: 69% after Sp243) Juniors: 79% after Sp24 |
| Licensure rates | >85% of students will pass the licensing exam | > 90% of students will pass the licensing exam | Education – 100% Nursing – new program; exam not yet administered |
Graduation rate
Criteria: IPEDS Outcomes Measures 8-year graduation rate
Target Level of Performance: 55%
Threshold of Acceptability: 40%
Outcome: 49%
Rationale for Criteria: Coker University selected the IPEDS Outcome Measures 8-year graduation rate as the most suitable SACSCOC indicator due to the composition of our student body. Approximately 25% of our incoming class of undergraduate students are transfer students, and we have recently added programs that enroll students during non-standard reporting terms. The IPEDS Outcome Measures survey is comprehensive, capturing students who enroll throughout the entire academic year, including transfer students, making it a more accurate reflection of our student population and their outcomes.
Justification for Threshold of Acceptability and Target Level of Performance: The Threshold of Acceptability (40%) and the Target Level of Performance (55%) were established after a thorough review of historical graduation data and comparisons with peer institutions.
Outcome
While our most recent IPEDS 8-year graduation rate (49%) meets the minimum acceptable threshold, Coker University remains committed to supporting initiatives that aim to increase completion rates for all students.
Graduation rate (Graduate Students)
Criteria: Graduation Rate
Target Level of Performance: 90%
Threshold of Acceptability: 80%
Outcome: 80%
Graduation Rate – Fall 2021 Cohort
| Number Enrolled | Number Graduated | Graduation Rate | |
| MED Curriculum and Instructional Technology | 20 | 17 | 85% |
| MS Management and Leadership | 18 | 14 | 78% |
| MS in Sports Administration | 12 | 9 | 75% |
| 50 | 40 | 80% |
Rationale for Criteria: Coker University offers several graduate programs, primarily serving working professionals, including graduate assistants in our Athletics department. Given the diverse needs and commitments of these students, the most crucial measure of student achievement in these programs is the graduation rate. Recognizing that many students may need to take breaks due to personal or professional circumstances, we do not impose a strict time limit for graduation, allowing for greater flexibility in their academic journey.
Justification for Threshold of Acceptability and Target Level of Performance: We have set a goal and threshold of acceptability based on a review of historical data for graduate programs at Coker.
Outcome
Based on the data from the most recent cohort (80% of students graduate), the threshold of acceptability was met. However, historically, these program have graduated 85% – 90% of students. Since these programs are small, the program coordinator for each program carefully monitors each student in the program and are aware when students leave the program why they cannot continue. They maintain contact with these students to determine if they can return at a later date.
First Year to Second Year Retention
Criteria: First-Year to Second-Year Retention rate for first-time full-time students
Target Level of Performance: 66%
Threshold of Acceptability: 55%
Outcome: 62%
Rationale for Criteria: First-year to second-year retention is a critical predictor of a student’s likelihood to complete their college degree. At Coker University, most students who leave do so within their first year, making it essential to closely monitor this rate. By doing so, we can better ensure that our campus environment supports the success of new students.
Over the past five years, Coker University’s first-to-second-year retention rate for first-time, bachelor’s degree-seeking undergraduates has fluctuated between 58% and 69%. For the incoming class of Fall 2022, the retention rate was 62%.
Justification for Threshold of Acceptability and Target Level of Performance:
In setting the Target Level of Performance, the Strategic Planning Committee reviewed both historical retention data and comparative data from IPEDS peer institutions, as well as all independent colleges and universities in South Carolina.
Outcome
Retention is a key indicator on the Institutional Scorecard, which tracks the progress of the Strategic Plan. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the goal was to increase the first-year retention rate to 66%. Although we did not meet this goal for the Fall 2022 incoming class (62% retention rate), we implemented significant support structures in 2023-2024 to assist first-year students. One notable initiative was the First-Year Mentoring program, which paired dedicated staff members with cohorts of approximately 15 students to provide mentorship and support throughout their first year. Preliminary data suggests that these changes have been effective, with our Fall 2023 retention rate projected to exceed 70% for those scheduled to return in Fall 2024.
Course completion rates
Criteria: DWFI rate (Percentage of classes with greater than 25% of students receiving a grade of D, Withdrawal, F or Incomplete final grade)
Target Level of Performance: 10% of classes will have a DFWI rate greater than 25%
Threshold of Acceptability: 20% of classes will have a DFWI rate greater than 25%
Outcome: Fall 2023 – 13.5%, Spring 2024 – 11.4%
Rationale for Criteria:
Course completion rates are closely tied to a student’s ability to progress through an academic program and graduate on time. This metric aims to identify specific courses or faculty that may hinder student success at Coker University. Each semester, the Provost and academic deans receive a summary of course grades for all classes. The Provost reviews the DFWI (D, F, Withdrawal, Incomplete) rates each semester and discusses these findings with the academic deans. The deans then meet with faculty members whose class sections have an average DFWI rate above 25% to explore the reasons and develop strategies for improvement.
Justification for Threshold of Acceptability and Target Level of Performance:
The threshold for acceptable performance and target level of achievement were established based on an analysis of historical data, which showed that 15-18% of courses had a DFWI rate higher than 25%.
Outcome:
In Fall 2023, 13.5% of courses had a DFWI rate greater than 25%. In Spring 2024, that rate decreased to 11.4%. The Provost and Deans continue to monitor this rate and have discussions with individual faculty, and additional professional development has been recommended to faculty with high percentages. In addition, faculty may apply to be Inclusive Excellence Fellows, sign up to attend monthly Inclusive Excellence learn-at-lunch discussions, and are asked to complete Quality Matters training which is primarily focused on online teaching. In addition in 2023-2024 the Director of Student Success coordinated outreach to students based on the distribution of mid-term and final grades.
Curriculum Progression
Criteria: Percentage of students meeting 30 hours per academic year
Target Level of Performance:
1) 70% of Freshmen will have earned 30 hours after their first year of enrollment
2) 75% of Sophomores will have earned 60 hours after their second year of enrollment
3) 80% of Juniors will have earned 90 hours after their third year of enrollment
Threshold of Acceptability:
1) 60% of Freshmen will have earned 30 hours after their first year of enrollment
2) 65% of Sophomores will have earned 60 hours after their second year of enrollment
3) 70% of Juniors will have earned 90 hours after their third year of enrollment
Outcome:
1) Freshmen: 63% after Sp24
2) Sophomores: 69% after Sp24
3) Juniors: 79% after Sp24
Rationale for Criteria:
At Coker University, ensuring that our students graduate in a timely manner is a priority, as it significantly impacts both the four-year graduation rate and the overall affordability of a college education. To monitor progress towards this goal, we track the number of students earning 30 credit hours per year as a leading indicator of our four-year graduation rate.
Earning 30 credit hours per year is critical for several reasons:
- On-time graduation: Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credit hours. By earning 30 credits annually, students stay on track to graduate within four years, which is the standard timeframe for a bachelor’s degree.
- Scholarship and financial aid implications: Approximately 80% of our undergraduate students are from SC and many receive funds from the state scholarship program which requires students to earn 30 hours in an academic year.
- Financial benefits: Completing a degree in four years instead of five or six can significantly reduce the overall cost of education. This includes savings on tuition, fees, room and board, and other associated expenses.
- Reduced student debt: With less time spent in school, students are likely to accumulate less student loan debt, which can have long-lasting financial implications after graduation.
Justification for Threshold of Acceptability and Target Level of Performance:
The acceptable level of achievement and target level of performance were set based on a review of historical data as outlined on the 22-23 and 23-24 Institutional Scorecard
Outcome
For the 2023-2024 the following were the outcomes related to curriculum progression:
1) Freshmen: 63% earned 30 hours after Sp24
2) Sophomores: 69% earned 60 hours after Sp24
3) Juniors: 79% earned 90 hours after Sp24
By tracking the number of students earning 30 credit hours per year, we can identify those who may be falling behind and provide targeted support and interventions. This proactive approach helps ensure that more students stay on track for timely graduation. For example, in Fall 2023 only 56% of Freshmen earned 15 hours this Fall. Due to targeted outreach from their First Year Mentor, 161 who returned for the Spring, (or 76%) were on track to have 30 hours at the end of the academic year.
Licensure Rates
Criteria: State Licensing Exam pass rate
Target Level of Performance: > 90% of students will pass the state licensing exam
Threshold of Acceptability: >85% of students will pass the state licensing exam
Outcome: 100% of students for the last three years have passed the state licensing exam.
Rationale for Criteria: The licensure rate is an important metric to monitor as these exams are required for students to work in their chosen field. The Wiggins School of Education evaluates state licensing examination results for their respective majors. Results of these examinations and feedback from the students who complete them are used to improve the curricular programming. The results of these examinations are reported annually to the South Carolina Department of Education.
The first group of nursing students will be taking their lincensure exam this fall and we will have data to report in December.
Justification for Threshold of Acceptability and Target Level of Performance:
While our ultimate goal is a 100% pass rate for all licensure exams, we set a target performance level of 90% at the time of degree completion, with a threshold of acceptability at 85%. Although the state does not mandate a specific pass rate for these exams, our program has consistently exceeded our target. In recent years, only one student has not passed the licensure exam upon graduation, as illustrated in the chart below.
| Academic Year | # of Graduates | # Licensed | % Licensed |
| 2015-2016 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
| 2016-2017 | 12 | 12 | 100% |
| 2017-2018 | 16 | 16 | 100% |
| 2018-2019 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
| 2019-2020 | 7 | 6 | 86% |
| 2020-2021 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
| 2021-2022 | 12 | 12 | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 11 | 11 | 100% |
Additional Student Achivement Data