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

2024

93%

87%

99%

93%

2023

85%

67%

90%

82%

2022
76%
58%
76%
69%
2021
65%
63%
78%
64%

Last updated April 2025

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