GRADUATION RATES AT U.S. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: A LARGE DATA SET ANALYSIS

This paper compiles data from a half a dozen different sources to examine the relative impact various factors have on graduation rates. Research finds that faculty salaries positively impact rates, public schools have lower graduation rates and liberal arts colleges, research and masters’ universities have higher rates than comprehensive. Overall, the existence of learning communities and teaching centers at institutions of higher learning does not improve graduation rates. However, if the type of school is taken into consideration; the existence of learning communities does improve graduation rates at comprehensive universities but does not have any impact on research and masters universities or liberal arts colleges. This research suggests that when implementing programs aimed at improving graduation rates different types of colleges and universities need to be selective in what they choose.