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Friday, March 29, 2024

College-completion rates called poor in Indiana

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Most full-time college students in Indiana do not graduate on time, according to a new report that looks at whether people are completing college and how long it’s taking them.

The report, released this week, places Indiana University in Bloomington at the top of overall completion rates at about 83 percent. Ivy Tech Community College is at the bottom with about 28 percent. But only about half of IU Bloomington students graduate on time, and less than 4 percent graduate on-time from Ivy Tech.

The report, completed with data from the state Commission for Higher Education and the National Student Clearinghouse, factors in students who transfer and graduate from another university or take longer to get a degree. Numbers reflect student data from 2007 to 2013 in community colleges and from 2005 to 2013 for other institutions.

Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers said on-time graduation should be a priority. “The best policy for students and the state is, whenever possible, on-time completion,” Lubbers said.

Completion rates factor into state higher education performance-based funding, which is recommended by the commission. A higher on-time completion rate means more state dollars.

Colleges and universities now offer incentives to get students out the door faster. IU froze tuition rates for sophomores completing degrees, and Indiana State University will pay tuition for students who meet strict criteria but don’t get their degree on time.

The increased cost to students is another reason the commission wants students to finish on time.

“The reality is for those students who are receiving financial aid. It runs out in four years,” Lubbers said.

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