Adult graduation rates important to educational institutions, nation
July 17, 2012
When it comes to tracking non-traditional students' success in school, many institutions are lacking vital information. According to a recent survey by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association and Insidetrack, 43 percent of educational institutions polled do not track the retention and degree completion rates for non-traditional students, such as adults returning to school. Only 16 percent noted a full understanding of the causes of students leaving and not completing degrees.
Even if colleges and universities provide financial aid for adults and scholarships for moms and other single parents, understanding the unique situation of adults returning to school is a key issues for today's educational institutions.
The importance of tracking graduation rates
Graduation rates matter because they help the nation as a whole understand the effectiveness of our education system, and allow each institution to compare its rates with others. If completion rates are low, steps need to be taken to support students better. The needs of adult students, such as flexible scheduling, online course availability and collaborative learning options, are different than those of traditional students.
Graduation rates are also important to the nation because good rates often pair with a better economy. According to data collected by CEOs for Cities, $763 is added to per-capita income each year for every one percentage point increase in adult four-year college degree attainment.
Getting metrics right
Tracking graduation rates is tricky, especially for adults returning to school as most don't follow a traditional sequential two-year or four-year approach. In Maine, for example, students who take more than four years to finish college, or who get their diplomas through adult education programs, are counted as dropouts according to the Morning Sentinel.
Recent improvements
Thanks to this survey on non-traditional student success, as well as the increased number of adults returning to school, more educational institutions are tracking graduation rates for non-traditional students. To help continue this trend, ask your school or prospective schools what their adult student retention rate is, and advocate for the importance of this number if they can't supply it for you. Many colleges can boast about their resources for adult students, but when these programs are executed in a way that actually supports the student's continued success, the school, student and economy can benefit.
