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In addition to showing substantial progress in student retention and graduation rates at Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities, data indicate that the four universities provide a solid educational springboard for Connecticut students – those who continue at the universities where they started and those who continue elsewhere. Attracting Future Graduates The four CSUS universities are consistently graduating more students each year than those who began as full-time freshman at each university six years earlier. For example, the number of bachelor’s degrees granted in 2009 exceeded the number of students who began as first-time, full-time students at the four universities in 2003 by more than 800. The substantially greater number, comparing the beginning to the conclusion of the six-year period, is largely due to record-setting numbers of students transferring into the CSUS universities and continuing on to graduate from the institutions, as well as part-time students and those who take longer than six years to earn their degree. Data also indicate that 7 out of 10 students who begin at a CSUS institution as full-time freshmen have either graduated, transferred to another institution, or remain active students at that institution six years after beginning their post-secondary education. The statistics do not include students who began on a part-time basis. A report from the U.S. Department of Education recently indicated that, nationally, only about half of the students who entered higher education in 2003-04 earned degrees or certificates by June, 2009. Of the remainder, 15 percent were still enrolled and 36 percent had left higher education. By the end of the six-year period, 9 percent of the students had earned certificates, 9 percent had associate degrees and 31 percent had earned bachelor’s degrees. Graduation Rate, Number of Graduates Continue to Climb Recent data also reflect that across CSUS, six-year graduation rates are now above the national average for similar institutions and have climbed steadily since 2005, increasing from 38 percent to 46 percent. The graduation rate statistic, defined under federal law, substantially undercounts the number of graduates because it does not include transfer students or those who begin their studies part-time, or those who take longer than six years to earn a degree. In fact, in 2010, the CSUS institutions had a record-setting 7,005 individuals receive degrees and certificates. In addition, the number of students transferring into the four CSUS universities reached a record level in 2010, driven primarily by students transferring from Connecticut Community Colleges, but also including students who began their studies at out-of-state colleges and universities and then transferred to CSUS institutions. A recently published Chronicle of Higher Education analysis of 1,400 institutions nationwide showed that one-third (35 percent) reported lower graduation rates for the six-year period ending in 2008 than for the one ending in 2003. At CSUS, graduation rates have been improving. “Our graduation rates and retention rates are improving because student success is our number one priority,” said CSUS Chancellor David G. Carter. “Each of the universities has developed programs and strategies to support student achievement and progress. That is good news not only for our students, but for our state.” Carter noted that 94 percent of students attending the CSUS universities are from Connecticut, slightly higher than 93 percent in recent years, and the highest percentage in at least 15 years. Each of the state’s 169 cities and towns have residents attending the universities, and 86 percent of graduating students remain in the state after earning their degree. Nearly half of the students attending CSUS are the first generation in their families to attend college, and most CSUS students balance commitments to work and family in addition to pursuing their education. Often, students take reduced course loads or stop and re-start their education due to intervening life events or financial considerations. Student Population, Student Retention Increase Retention rates at CSUS are also above the national average for similar institutions. The one-year retention rate, from freshman to sophomore year, is 78 percent. That is the highest level since the statistic began to be tracked in 2001. The statistics for the current academic year reflect the continued popularity of the four universities for Connecticut students. As the largest university system in the state, CSUS plays an integral role in the education of Connecticut students as well as the state’s cultural and civic life and economic well-being. Previously, it was announced that overall enrollment is at the highest levels in two decades, and that the number of full-time students and transfer students reached all-time highs. © Copyright by ShorelinePlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of ShorelinePlus.com, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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