Ipswich's University of Suffolk has commenced its 2020 academic year Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK - Credit: Archant The University of Suffolk has the highest student dropout rate among young students of all public universities in the UK, figures have revealed. According to the most recent data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, which covers the 2018-19 academic year, more than a fifth of first year students under the age of 21 did not continue their studies at the local university into their second year. The non-continuation rate of 23.8% among those under 21 sees them rank third highest of all providers nationwide, with only Arden University and the Bloomsbury Institute ranking higher with rates of 38.2% and 31.8% respectively.