A school’s college graduation rate tells you how many students complete their degree programs within a specific time frame (usually four, five, or six years). It’s the ratio of grads to the total number of college students enrolled.
Why should you care about graduation rates? They give you a good idea of how a school is doing in terms of student success. The higher the graduation rate, the better the college is at keeping students enrolled and helping them cross that finish line. It’s all about giving you the support and resources to make it through.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduate students who started seeking a bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2014 was 64%. That means more than half of the students who started in 2014 graduated within six academic years.
Public colleges have an average graduation rate of 63%, while private nonprofit schools have a slightly higher rate of 68%. However, it’s important to note that these completion rates can vary from school to school, so it’s worth doing your research.
What determines the graduation rate, and what can that tell you about a college?
Let’s talk about what determines graduation rates and what they can tell you about a college:
- Academic rigor and support. Colleges offering challenging courses and solid support systems tend to have higher graduation rates. Students who feel engaged and supported in their academic journey are more likely to stick around and earn that college degree.
- Student retention. A high graduation rate suggests the college knows how to hold onto its students. They’re doing something right to keep college dropout rates low and ensure students have the support and resources to make it across the finish line.
- Financial resources and affordability. College can be expensive. Students struggling with finances may find it difficult to complete their degrees or end up burdened with hefty student loans. That’s why colleges offering financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs tend to see better graduation rates.
- Student engagement and involvement. Student engagement and involvement matter, too. Students actively participating in extracurricular activities, clubs, internships, and research opportunities are more likely to stay motivated and invested in their college experience.
- Student support services. Colleges that provide comprehensive support services, like academic advising, career counseling, mental health resources, and wellness programs, create an environment where students feel supported and empowered.
- Campus culture and diversity. According to the NCES, of the 16.3 million undergraduate students in the fall of 2016, about 9.1 million were white, 3.2 million were Hispanic/Latino, 2.2 million were Black, 1.1 million were Asian, 596,000 were of two or more races, 129,000 were American Indian/Alaska Native, and 47,000 were Pacific Islander. A positive and inclusive campus culture that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among all ethnicities can contribute to higher graduation rates.
- Institutional commitment. Colleges with high graduation rates are the ones that truly invest in their students’ success. They go above and beyond to ensure accountability and monitor retention rates. These colleges are committed to constantly improving their programs and providing the best educational experience. A high graduation rate speaks volumes about the college’s institutional commitment to student achievement.
- Graduates’ employment or further education. High graduation rates often indicate that graduates are well-prepared for their careers or further education. When a college has a track record of producing graduates who excel in their fields, it means the college is equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen paths.
What’s the ideal college graduation rate?
You might be wondering, “What’s considered an ideal graduation rate?” Well, it’s not set in stone, but generally speaking, the higher, the better.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 54.8% of students at two- and four-year colleges complete a degree within six years, while 60.4% complete a degree within eight years.
Top colleges often maintain graduation rates above 90%. For example, Harvard holds a six-year graduation rate of 98%, while Yale holds a six-year graduation rate of 96%.
Various factors, like the college’s selectivity, academic rigor, student body demographics, and resources and support, can influence graduation rates.
College graduation rates of notable American universities
Let’s take a look at graduation rates from some notable American universities.
MIT graduation rate
6-year graduation rate: 96%
Acceptance rate: 7%
Enrollment: 11,254
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) rocks an impressive graduation rate of 96%. The school is all about engineering and the physical sciences. Smart and successful? Sign us up!
Stanford graduation rate
6-year graduation rate: 95%
Acceptance rate: 5%
Enrollment: 15,953
Stanford University, with a graduation rate of 95%, is a powerhouse. But with an acceptance rate of only 5%, it’s pretty selective. The school’s teaching and research center game is on lock, especially in engineering, economics, and the sciences.
Harvard graduation rate
6-year graduation rate: 98%
Acceptance rate: 5%
Enrollment: 30,391
Harvard University, the oldest higher education institution in the United States, boasts a graduation rate of 98%. It’s an Ivy League school and a world-renowned powerhouse. Need we say more?
UCLA graduation rate
6-year graduation rate: 91%
Acceptance rate: 14%
Enrollment: 44,589
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) proudly presents a 91% graduation rate. The school is clearly doing something right. Plus, it’s a state university located in sunny Los Angeles. Can you say win-win?
NYU graduation rate
6-year graduation rate: 88%
Acceptance rate: 21%
Enrollment: 52,775
New York University (NYU) rocks a solid 88% graduation rate. It has campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai and is all about providing a global education. The world is your oyster!
How should college graduation rates affect your school search?
So, how should graduation rates factor into your school search? Well, they can provide some valuable insights:
- Student success. Higher graduation rates mean the school is serious about student success and helping both part-time and full-time students graduate on time. It’ll have the resources and support you need to thrive.
- Institutional quality. Colleges with higher graduation rates also tend to offer top-notch academic programs, experienced faculty, and an overall supportive learning environment.
- Fit and alignment. Graduation rates can help you gauge how well a college aligns with your academic goals and aspirations. A college with a high graduation rate in the field or program you’re interested in means the school provides the tools necessary for students pursuing that area of study.
- Support and resources. When a college has a strong focus on student success, it’s more likely to provide academic advising, tutoring, mentoring programs, and career services that can make your college experience better and increase your chances of graduating on time.
Find the best school for you with help from College Rover
Deciding which college or university to attend is no easy task for high school students. With thousands of higher education schools to choose from, it may feel impossible to narrow it down.
College graduation rates can help you cut down your choices, but there are many other factors to consider. Do you want to live in a big city or a small town? Are you interested in a two-year or four-year school? Do you want to be a part-time or full-time student?
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole college search process, we’ve got your back. With College Rover, you can filter schools based on your preferences, compare them head to head, and get personalized rankings. This can help you prepare for the next four, six, or eight years (or longer!).
Choose the best school for you with College Rover!
