Introduction:

Dropout rates are a constant concern for schools of medicine. Its study and solution are complex, it compromises the future of the student and affects the academic reputation of the program.

Objective:

Determine the dropout, graduation, and student lag rates of 40 cohorts of the Medicine Program of the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira.

Materials and methods:

Descriptive observational study.

Results:

The average for inter-semester dropout rates for the Program (TDIP) and institution (TDI) were very similar: 4,1% and 4 %, respectively. The cumulative dropout rates of the Program (TDAP) and dropout per cohort (TDC) were similar (27%), with a tendency to decrease in the last decade and significantly less than that of some medicine programs in the country. The graduation rate (TGP) without delay was 66%. In the group of dropouts, men predominated (35,4% vs 29,5%, p = 0.001), without differences by social stratification or type of high school education institution.

Conclusion:

The data presented allow to establish comparisons with other programs in Colombia and around the world. Adjusted definitions of cumulative dropout and successful graduation are proposed, providing more accurate information and becoming an important input for academic planning and the design of policies and strategies towards early detection, comprehensive support for vulnerable students, and successful graduation.

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