US: Under 55% of college students graduate on time

A new study says fewer than 55% of four-year college students graduate with a degree within six years, writes Donna Gordon Blankinship for Associated Press. The report by the conservative think-tank American Enterprise Institute found college completion rates vary widely. But in general, graduation rates are better at more competitive schools.

The researchers say those gaps are mostly due to the different types of students the more selective schools enrol. The study also compares graduation rates within similar kinds of schools and found some differences. For example, San Diego State graduates 56% of its students within six years and California State University in Los Angeles has a 31% graduation rate.

Using the US Department of Education statistics, the report compares about 1,300 colleges and universities and points out the best and worst graduation rates.
Full report on the SeattlePI.com site