DETROIT — Only about half of the students who entered college in Michigan as full-time students in 2003 graduated within six years, according to an analysis of federal data by the Detroit Free Press.
There is a huge gap in graduation rates among institutions, the Free Press reported. For example, while 89 percent of students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor graduate, only 26 percent at Lake Superior State University do so, the report said. Rates are lower for minority students, the Free Press reported.
Officials told the Free Press that students' high school preparation, financial support and part-time jobs all affect graduation rates.
Some universities offer tutoring or peer mentoring to help students succeed, officials told the Free Press.
SOURCE:
Detroit Free Press, "Colleges aim to boost low grad rates; many
students unprepared," Oct. 24, 2010
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "Allow full high school
access to community colleges," Dec. 29, 2009
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