State of PSU's graduation rate?

Hey folks, I was doing my research on U.S colleges and Portland State University caught my eye. But I'm a bit confused about their graduation rate. It seems lower compared to other schools I'm considering. Can anyone shed some light on this? Are there any specific reasons for this?

Portland State University's graduation rates can indeed be lower in comparison to some other institutions, particularly private colleges and highly selective public universities. As of now, PSU's six-year graduation rate hovers around 54% for full-time students, which is lower than the national average of roughly 60%.

There might be several reasons for this. PSU has a reputation for being a commuter school, catering to a high number of part-time and non-traditional adult learners who aren't always able to earn their degrees within the traditional four-year timeline. This can lower the overall graduation rate since it's typically calculated based on a six year period.

Moreover, PSU has an open enrollment policy, which means they accept any applicant who has graduated high school or achieved a GED, regardless of grades or test scores. Institutions with these policies often have lower graduation rates compared to schools with more selective admissions since they are committed to providing access to a wide range of students, including those who might need more academic support.

However, it's important to consider these rates in context. Lower graduation rates don't always indicate a lower quality of education. In PSU's case, they offer robust support services to help students succeed including academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling. It's recommended that prospective students take advantage of these resources to enhance their chances of on-time graduation.