Ins and outs of higher ed

A lot has been said recently about the high school graduation and dropout rates, but until now it seems like I’m the only one talking about the college graduation rate. USA Today is looking at the college graduation rate in this recent article. Maybe they sat in on one of my presentations and got an idea!

A few quotes from the article:

“At the typical college, only 40% of students earn their degrees in four years. The six-year graduation rate of 57% is better, but hardly impressive. Among African-American students, less than half graduate within six years. Overall, nearly a third of people older than 25 who have entered college end up with no degree (but often piles of debt) to show for it.”

“When considering colleges, students and parents should look beyond rankings, grade point averages and SAT scores. What are a school’s dropout and graduation rates? How satisfied are the students with their classroom experiences? Do they get jobs after they graduate?”

Chris’ Thoughts:

Is anyone holding the colleges accountable for the promises they make to the potential freshmen? Do they really make any promises, or is it “society” who makes the promises, and we assume that the colleges will deliver?

I’ve been saying for years that half of the kids we send to college don’t graduate (get their four-year degree in six years). I’m sure there are some really good reasons for this seemingly low percentage, but the reality is that high schools are sending kids to college because it’s “the next thing to do,” and apparently half of the kids are being sent to the wrong place.

We need to be sending kids to college because it’s the right step in the student’s individual education/career plan. For those not familiar with my plan, I think that every eighth grader should create an ever-changing 10-year education/career plan that will take that student through postsecondary education to a successful entry into a career. I refer to it as the “Where do you want to be at age 25?” plan.

Kids need to go to college because it fits their education/career plan, not because “everyone else is doing it,” and so mom and dad can brag about it at the country club!

Stephen Covey reminds us to “begin with the end in mind.” To me that means you pick a career, talk to people in that career field, and then let your future colleagues help you decide what kind of postsecondary education you need to achieve your goals.

Don’t let your goal be just a college degree. Your goal should be a successful entry into the occupation of your choice, a family, house, car, and anything else you need for your “perfect life.” Work backwards from the end (think Covey!) and find out what kind of education you need to get there! It might be very different if you choose your education first, and then looked for a job later on like most people do.

Find the college graduation rates at US colleges and universities.

Well, that’s the way that I see it. Let me know what you are thinking, and stop by again soon for more of my ramblings.