According to a new report, it’s taking Michigan students more than four years to get a four-year degree.
The state’s Center for Educational Performance and Information has released its first report on postsecondary success rates for students at Michigan public universities and community colleges.
It shows only about a third of Michigan university students are earning a bachelor’s degree in four years, and only 14% of community college students are earning an associate’s degree in two years.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the highest percentage of students graduating in four years (70%). Saginaw Valley State University has the lowest (12%). But SVSU’s degree completion percentage rises to near 50% after six years. Overall, the bachelor’s degree completion rate nearly doubles, from 35.9% in four years to 65.5% in six years.
The associate degree success rate also rises significantly (14.3% in two years to 35.2% in six years)
“In the long run, this should help our community colleges and public universities see where they are doing well … where they can improve, and it could also help policy makers who make decisions,” says CEPI spokeswoman Lauren Leeds.
Researchers say it’s taking students longer to earn degrees because many are juggling full-time jobs and families.
