Despite the importance of obtaining a university degree, retention rates remain a concern for many universities. This longitudinal study provides a multi-domain examination of first-year student characteristics and behaviors that best predict which students graduate. Graduation status was assessed seven years after students entered university. Participants (N = 1017; 71% female; mean age in Year 1 was 19 years) enrolled in a Canadian mid-sized university completed a survey, provided their enrollment status over the next 6 years (regardless of whether they left university), and consented to have their grades and status provided by the Registrar. Overall, 79% of students graduated by Year 7 (44% in 4 years). The strongest predictor of graduation was first-year grades. Social engagement in the university also predicted graduation. Surprisingly, mental health was not a significant predictor of graduation. Only a minority of students may experience mental health difficulties to such an extent that it affects their ability to succeed at university.

尽管获得大学学位很重要，但保留率仍然是许多大学关注的问题。这项纵向研究提供了对一年级学生特征和行为的多领域检查，可以最好地预测哪些学生毕业。学生入学七年后评估毕业状态。参加加拿大某中型大学的参与者（N = 1017；女性为71％； 1年平均年龄为19岁）完成了一项调查，并提供了未来6年的入学状况（无论是否离开大学），以及同意由书记官长提供其等级和身份。总体而言，到7年级的学生中有79％毕业（四年内为44％）。毕业的最强预测指标是一年级。大学的社会参与也预示着毕业。出奇，心理健康不是毕业的重要指标。只有极少数的学生可能会遇到心理健康方面的困难，以至于影响到他们在大学获得成功的能力。