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College graduation rates average 53 percent
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Of all first-time college students who enrolled in four-year schools in 2001, only 53 percent graduated within six years, according to a national study by the American Enterprise Institute.
This data makes me nervous, as my oldest is moving away to school in a few weeks. 
However, the study results are not surprising.
If our students are to succeed in college, we must step up the K-12 education system.
In addition, we must accept the fact that some students are not cut out for college, and may find their strengths and career paths will require skills and training outside the university classroom.
After all, five or six years is a long time for students to spend in college if they struggle or feel out of place.
Many parents at my son’s recent college orientation moaned out loud when school officials told us that it is common these days for students to take their time getting a degree.
“In fact, five or six years are necessary for students who struggle and/or work while attending college,” said one counselor. Four years sure sounds better, but I guess that taking extra time is better than dropping out.
The numbers are based on data reported to the U.S. Education Department by nearly 1,400 schools across the country,
There was a wide disparity among schools, according to an article in USA Today. For example, Harvard University posted a 97 percent graduation rate, while Southern University at New Orleans, affected by Hurricane Katrina, reported 8 percent.
"Graduation rates below 50 percent, 40 percent and even 30 percent are distressingly easy to find," says the report.
The data do not account for students who transfer, and study authors said that schools should be judged on qualities other than graduation rates, according to the Education Report.
However, the study notes that there is "dramatic variation" in rates among similar institutions, which suggests that some schools are more effective than their peers.
This should be concerning to all parents. After all, it is very expensive to attend college. Yet it is more expensive to drop out.
And it is most expensive to float around aimlessly.
For more information, see:
College Students are Stressed and Depressed
Diplomas and Dropouts: Report by American Enterprise Institute
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