When families talk about college, most of the focus is on getting admitted. The popular press contributes to this mis-guided focus with countless articles about how hard it is to get admitted to top colleges. But there’s a more important question that often gets overlooked:
Will my student actually graduate from this college — and on time?
That question matters.
College dropouts remain a major issue, and the cost of taking longer than expected to finish can be significant. A fifth or sixth year of tuition, housing, and fees can dramatically change the financial picture for a family. Plus, extra years in college cut into employment years and earning potential.
Student persistence is far from guaranteed. In recent years, only about half of students graduate from the college where they first enrolled. Many transfer, pause, or leave college altogether.
That’s why one of the smartest questions you can ask on a college visit or in your research is simple:
What is your four-year graduation rate? And what is your six-year graduation rate?
These numbers tell you more than you might think.
A strong graduation rate often reflects:
- Student satisfaction
- Academic support systems
- Advising quality
- Financial aid policy stability and sustainability
- A campus culture that helps students stay on track
A lower graduation rate doesn’t automatically mean a college is a poor fit. But it should prompt more questions.
Ask:
- Why do students leave?
- How many students transfer?
- What academic support is available?
- How easy is it to get the classes needed to graduate on time?
- What is the average increase in student costs each year?
- How do the merit and need-based aid packages change each year?
Graduation rates are one of the clearest indicators of whether a college can deliver on your ultimate goal: a degree.
Getting admitted is important.
Graduating is the point.
Learn More of the Questions Colleges Don’t Want You to Ask.
Fitz has dedicated the entirety of his 28 year career to encouraging higher education opportunities. He worked in the Vanderbilt, Duke Law and St. Lawrence admissions offices prior to serving as an enrollment management consultant for 200+ selective colleges around the country. He created Find The Right College to make trustworthy college counseling more accessible. Fitz is also the father of two teens so he also understands first-hand the challenges associated with a college search.
