Student Success Metrics

The retention rates for first-time degree-seeking students across NDU's three campuses exhibit distinctive trends. At the Main campus, there was a decrease of 4.6% between AY 2019/2020 and AY 2020/2021, attributed to the impact of COVID-19 and Lebanon's political and economic turmoil. However, rates gradually rebounded from AY 2021/2022 onwards, culminating in a 5.6% increase by AY 2023/2024.

In contrast, the North Lebanon campus maintained steady rates until AY 2021/2022, after which a decline ensued, potentially influenced by regional unrest and severe economic challenges. The Shouf Campus exhibited fluctuating rates over the same period, demonstrating less predictable patterns.

Retention Rate Calculation Methodology

Retention rates are calculated as the percentages of first-time degree-seeking students who continue their studies into their second year, either in the Fall or Spring semester. This calculation excludes special, cross, and transfer students, but includes freshmen.

Main Campus

North Lebanon Campus

Shouf Campus

The 150% graduation rates across NDU's three campuses showcase diverse trajectories. At the Main Campus, rates remained relatively steady, with a noticeable decline recorded in AY 2020/2021, attributed to the economic downturn compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the North Lebanon Campus witnessed a continuous decrease, beginning at 71.09% in AY 2018/2019 and plummeting to 54.95% in AY 2022/2023, attributed to the heightened unrest and poverty prevalent in the region. Similarly, the Shouf Campus exhibited consistent gradual declines over the years.

It's important to highlight that many parents lost their jobs during the unrest, leading numerous students to take breaks or reduce their course loads to seek employment and afford tuition. Additionally, the sharp increase in the USD to LBP exchange rate and soaring inflation exacerbated financial hardships, particularly for those earning in LBP.

Graduation Rates Calculation Methodology

Main Campus

North Lebanon Campus

Shouf Campus

The Licensure Passage rate serves as another key indicator of monitored student achievement. Graduate students from various majors, including Nutrition & Dietetics, Nursing, Medical Lab Technology, Law, and Psychology, sit for National Licensure Passage exams. As depicted in the table below, the passage rates consistently reflect commendable performance, achieving high levels of success.

Note

• The Bar Association Exam was not administered during AY 2019-2020.
• The National Colloquium for the Professions of Clinical Psychology and Educational Psychology was inaugurated in AY 2019-2020.
• The Medical Lab Technology Colloquium Exam was not held during AY 2020-2021, AY 2021-2022, and AY 2022-2023.

The Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA), conducts an annual employability survey for undergraduate and graduate students 6 to 12 months after graduation. This survey evaluates alumni employability in their respective fields of study, with the exception of Law and Nutrition and Dietetics majors, which are surveyed one year after graduation. Following survey completion, OIRA validates the data, and an official employability rate per major is established. The chart below depicts the average employability rates across all three campuses and faculties over the past four academic years.

Employability Rates Calculation Methodology

The employability rate is calculated as the percentage of graduates from a specific year who are employed in their field of study, out of all graduates from the same year who respond to the employability survey.