Objective This article aims to develop a bibliometric analysis about the scientific production on academic dropout/retention during the first year of university, based off of the Scopus database between 1970 to 2020. The Methodology used corresponds to an adaptation made to the bibliometric analysis model of 5 stages. Different bibliometric indicators of analysis have been considered, such as productivity, different subjects and social structures. The Results show a prolific area in the research; there is also evidence of a thematic diversity in research related to academic dropout/retention, positioning the United States as the main producer on this growing area of study. The Originality analysis made on the results are carried out using Scopus’ own metrics and the Bibliometrix software. The Conclusions indicate little relationship between the authors, showing an area of research that grows over time and highlighting a correlation between countries and universities in developed countries as producing agents. KEYWORDS: Student retention; Student dropouts; academic achievement; Dropout factors; dropout retention; student dropout; academic retention; permanence; academic performance; retention.