Top 10 UK Universities with Lowest Drop-Out Rates

The Guardian’s University Guide 2025 has revealed which universities have the lowest dropout rates in the UK. This is measured by the number of students who don’t progress from year one into year two of their studies. We have compiled a list of the top ten universities which are able to retain their students. 

Continuation rate = the number of first year students who progress to their second year.

London School of Economics 

At number 10, is LSE. The globally renowned institution focuses its teaching on social sciences - economics, politics and law. This is one of the many Russell Group universities on the list, and has a completion rate of 96.6%, meaning only 3.4% of students dropout after year one.

Loughborough University

Next is Loughborough University, which is known for its world-leading sports programmes and facilities. The institution also excels in engineering and design, and has the same drop out rate as LSE. However, it is not a Russell Group. 

University of Bristol

Also matching the same drop out rate is Russell Group member, the University of Bristol. This leading university is known for its strong emphasis on research, and its law and science-based courses. Students here are taught in the heart of the dynamic city. 

University of Bath

Not far from Bristol is the University of Bath. A non-Russell group university, which has a drop out rate of 3.2%. The university is known for its engineering, science and business courses, with almost every degree offering a placement year. It also ranks highly for student satisfaction.

Lancaster University

At number six is Lancaster. Consistently ranked among the top UK universities, this Russell Group member  excels in areas such as business, social sciences, and environmental studies. It also matches Bath’s drop out rate.

University of Edinburgh

Holding the mid-way spot is the University of Edinburgh. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, known for courses such as humanities, medicine and science. Students have the chance to study in Scotland’s capital, with 2.9% dropping out each year. 

St Andrews University

Another Scottish university in the mix is St Andrews. Along with Loughborough and Bath, the university is not a Russell Group member. It is the oldest university in Scotland, ranked highly each year, and is known for its close-knit student community. It has a very similar drop out rate to Edinburgh: 2.8%. 

Durham University

At number three is Durham. Known for its collegiate systems and humanities, social sciences and law courses, it is often a popular choice for students. The university boasts a 97.5% completion rate, meaning only 2.5% wave goodbye.

University of Oxford

Oxford just misses out on the top spot. Only 2% of students decide to leave the prestigious university each year. As a member of the Golden Triangle, it is known for its history, research and global impact among its academic excellence across all disciplines. 

University of Cambridge

And the winner is the University of Cambridge. With only 1% of students dropping out, it is certainly popular. Like Oxford, the university is known for its academic programmes, collegiate system, and research. 

Now you know which universities have the lowest rates, why not find out which universities have the highest dropout rates in the UK.