Concerns about Penn State's graduation rate

Hey y'all! I'm kind of stressed because I noticed that Penn State's graduation rate isn't as high as I thought it would be. I'm considering applying there, so I'm curious: why is it so low? What factors might be contributing to this? Thanks in advance!

Hey there! It's natural to be concerned about graduation rates when considering a college. To answer your question about Penn State's graduation rate, it's important to understand that there are multiple factors that can influence a college's graduation rate, and these factors can vary significantly across different institutions.

1. Size and diversity of the student population: Penn State is a large public university with a diverse student population, which includes both in-state and out-of-state students. This can influence graduation rates, as a more diverse group of students may face different academic and personal challenges that could impact their progress towards graduation.

2. Academic preparedness: Some students may arrive at college less prepared academically, which can lead to struggles in completing college-level coursework and ultimately affect the university's graduation rate. Support services such as academic tutoring or assistance with study skills could be helpful for these students.

3. Financial factors: The cost of college continues to rise, and some students may experience financial difficulties that can lead to them dropping out or taking a leave of absence. Colleges with a high percentage of students receiving financial aid may see lower graduation rates due to these financial challenges.

4. Transfer rates: It's not uncommon for students, particularly at large public universities, to transfer to another institution for various reasons (e.g., a better fit, specific academic programs, personal reasons). Students who transfer out of a university impact its graduation rate.

5. Student engagement: Research shows that students who are engaged in their college communities, academically and socially, are more likely to graduate. It's possible that Penn State could improve its graduation rate by investing more in resources and programs that promote campus engagement.

It's essential to keep in mind that graduation rates can be a helpful guide, but they shouldn't be the only factor in choosing a college. You should also consider factors like program quality, campus resources, and the overall fit and feel of the institution to ensure that it meets your needs and helps you achieve your academic and professional goals. Good luck with your college search!