low retention rate schools

Anonymous wrote:An admissions professional I follow is adamant that retention is largely about the inputs (students and their backgrounds) and shouldn't be overly judged.

I definitely wouldn't treat less than 90% as "low." According to USNews, Harvard is at 92% and Yale has "only" a 90% retention rate. So yes, there are lots of solid schools below 90%. E.g. Trinity, Connecticut, Reed, Mount Holyoke and Bryn Mawr at at 89%. American and Dickinson are at 88%.

I think it's fair to think about the student body and their commitment to education, but I wouldn't be too strict in using one measure to understand that.

+1 Many times retention rate is an outcome of students returning home for financial reasons (e.g., college unafforable or need to work and support household), caring for younger (or older) family members, etc.

Here's the national list and SLAC list. Lots of really good schools below your "low retention" rate of 90% here.
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/freshmen-least-most-likely-return
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges/freshmen-least-most-likely-return