Retention and Graduation Data

The SANS Technology Institute develops leaders to strengthen enterprise and global information security. Our graduates are highly valued because they design state-of-the-art, enterprise-level cyber defenses, champion the adoption of those defenses, and manage their implementation and ongoing operation.
This data showcases the retention and graduation rates across our programs since 2020. As our institution does not serve first-time, full-time students, the conventional IPEDS graduation rate does not apply. Instead, we present our retention and graduation rates based on the latest cohorts of admitted students, most of whom complete their programs within 2 years. Though the conventional IPEDS definition does not directly apply to our student population, we consistently surpass the national 6-year college graduation rate of 62.3% across all our programs, a testament to our commitment to academic excellence.

Percentage of students retained or graduated (YTD)


Bachelor's Degree* 
Undergraduate Certificate Program
Master's Degree
Graduate Certificate Program
202393%81%97%93%
202285%66%81%74%
2021
73%
64%
80%
65%
2020
52%
75%
55%

* Bachelor's degree program launched in 2021.

Last updated May 2024

Questions?

We're happy to help. Email info@sans.edu or call 301.241.7665.