What's the average graduation rate of most colleges?

Hey friends, working on narrowing down my college list and I'm considering graduation rates as one of the factors. I was wondering if anyone knew what the average graduation rate at most colleges in the U.S. is. Also, what could be some reasons why some colleges might have a lower graduation rate than others? Appreciate any insights!

The latest data indicates that the average six-year graduation rate for U.S. colleges and universities is around 62%. Essentially, this means that about 62% of students who enter a university as a full-time, first-year undergraduate student can expect to graduate from that same school within six years.

However, this average does vary depending on the type of institution. For instance, a four-year private non-profit college may see an average graduation rate of about 68%, while four-year public institutions come in slightly lower at 63%. Community colleges, which offer two-year associate degrees, typically have even lower graduation rates – often less than 40%.

A lower graduation rate doesn't necessarily reflect upon the quality of education offered by a university. Multiple factors can contribute to a lower rate, including:

1. Economic Factors: Some students may leave school due to the financial burden and work full-time instead of continuing their studies.

2. Transfer Rates: In some cases, students may start at one college but decide to transfer to another, which may affect the original college's graduation rate.

3. Level of Academic Rigor: Highly rigorous programs may have a lower graduation rate simply because they are difficult and not all students can handle the academic pressure.

4. School Size: Smaller colleges can provide a more personalized education experience, but may also have a lower graduation rate due to a smaller pool of students.

Remember, though these rates can be useful to consider, they shouldn't be the sole determining factor of a quality education. It's also important to look at other aspects such as programs offered, class size, student-faculty ratio, and so on when making your decision.