Sep
23
New Book: Students Picking Colleges That Are Too Easy, Then Leaving Early
September 23, 2009 | 1 Comment
For decades, the American educational system raised standards across the board, and students responded, going farther and farther with a steady increase in the number of college diplomas earned. But in the late 1970′s, the growth rates slowed. And in the 1990′s, the trend became flat.
Colleges continue to accept students at the highest rate ever. But students are not finishing at the same high rate. The number of diplomas issued by four-year colleges is now on the decline.
In a new book, “Crossing the Finish Line,” authors William G. Bowen, Matthew M. Chingos, and Michael S. McPherson look as far back as 1876 in documenting a century of gains in “educational attainment” they call “steady and spectacular.” But something clearly changed.
In recent years, only 56 percent of the students entering college in America finish with a diploma. That’s a dismal performance. Compared with the rest of the world, the U.S. ranks second from the bottom in its completion rate.
What happened?
The authors argue there are several reasons, some are financial. Students from low to middle income families tend to leave school earlier. In support, they point to statistics that in states with lower public school tuition, the completion rates are higher than in states charging higher tuition for their public universities.
However, many students are simply not aware of their options. They are choosing schools which are “mismatches” because they don’t believe their grades are good enough or they are not aware that they would be eligible for financial aid. Many students simply choose the closest school or a school where their friends are going. The authors build a case that when students are “mismatched” with their college, they are less likely to finish.
The book seems to have hit a chord. It presents research that confirms what many have long suspected. As Crossedtimber.org writes, “The advice is to go to at least one of the most demanding schools for which you are well qualified.”
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The NY Times had an article over the weekend (think it was in the magazine) section stating the the U.S. is dead last in college graduation rates among industrialized countries. Universities charge too much and high schools do a poor job of preparing high school students for the adult world they face in college. I’m not sure when/where this country went down the wrong path but hope that someone soon will redirect us.