Graduation Percentages
How do you use graduation percentages to help the prospective student decide if the school is a good fit?
That is my understanding of it, Michael. I think that prospective students can misconstrue lower graduation rates as a failure on the school's part. Personally, I don't see the graduation rate as anything necessarily reflective of the school or its programs. I think it's more a reflection on the students who, for one reason or another, had something come up and were unable to complete their program.
A lot of students I see are worried about the job market so being able to show students the most accurate placement rates help them see how our school is doing by helping students find jobs.
Aren't graduation rates soley based on students that have completed the required coursework in the normally required time frame? Also, it does not take into account students that have changed programs, correct?
As a good representative you should always do what is best for the prospective student.
Not every school is a great fit for everyone and with that said those who use percentages and averages to determine if a school is a good fit or not are in some cases doing themselves a dis-service. Many students attend more than one college in efforts to attain their degree and that can greatly influence percentages and averages.
I agree that graduation percentages are just one factor for deciding on a school. Our students, for example, consider length of program, distance to campus (especially if using public transportation, prerequisites required, transfer guidelines, grant/ financial aid availability, and many other factors. I believe, however, that graduation and placement rates should be among the top criteria for choosing a school.
I've come to find out working in this industry for 6 years that a person will pick a school no matter what shape it is in. If it's 9% graduation rate they will still attend because maybe it is a family tradition.
I believe that graduation percentages are just one factor for deciding schools. What is the best fit for you is the determining factor for prospective students.
When you are looking at a college with a 9% graduation rate - you would assume that people would run the other way! However, in this case, everyone in town thinks that because it is huge (23,000 students) and it has always been involved in the community, that it must be a good school! With an extremely low graduation rate, something should be done to educate the public! The college I work for is extremely concerned about our retention and grad rates and that is why our graduation rates are so high!
I have helped use it when a student is deciding between our school and another school that has the same program. For stronger programs, it really speaks volumes to what the student can work towards during their time at the school.
