Non-Completion Rate: 0%
Understanding Graduation Rate Calculation
Graduation rates are a critical metric for educational institutions, policymakers, and prospective students. This metric quantifies the success of an institution in guiding students through degree completion within a specific timeframe.
In the United States, the Student Right-to-Know Act requires colleges and universities to report these rates to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The standard metric tracks a "cohort" of first-time, full-time students.
The Formula
The graduation rate is calculated using the following logical steps:
- Step 1: Define the Initial Cohort. This is the count of students entering the institution at a specific starting point (usually the Fall semester).
- Step 2: Apply Exclusions. Certain students may be removed from the cohort for allowable reasons, such as passing away, permanent disability, leaving to serve in the armed forces, or serving with a foreign aid service.
- Step 3: Determine the Adjusted Cohort. This is the Initial Cohort minus Allowable Exclusions.
- Step 4: Count Graduates. Count the number of students from that specific cohort who completed their program within 150% of the "normal time" (e.g., 6 years for a 4-year degree).
Equation: (Total Graduates / Adjusted Cohort) × 100 = Graduation Rate Percentage
Why "150% of Normal Time"?
Standard graduation rate calculations typically allow for 150% of the program's length. For a standard 4-year bachelor's degree, this means tracking graduation within 6 years. For a 2-year associate's degree, it tracks completion within 3 years. This accounts for students who may change majors, take lighter course loads for financial reasons, or require remedial coursework.
Interpreting the Results
High Graduation Rate: Generally indicates strong student support services, effective academic advising, and high student retention.
Low Graduation Rate: May indicate barriers to completion such as financial costs, lack of academic support, or a student body with high transfer-out rates (which are sometimes tracked separately).
Improving Institutional Rates
Institutions often improve these rates by implementing early alert systems for at-risk students, enhancing financial aid packages, and streamlining degree pathways to reduce the number of excess credits students take.