Improving Graduation Rates Across Cal State Campuses: A Closer Look
Cal State universities have been making strides in improving graduation rates, but recent data reveals a mixed bag of successes and setbacks across different campuses. While 14 universities saw six-year graduation rate increases, nine experienced declines, painting a complex picture of higher education outcomes in the state.
Success Stories
San Jose, East Bay, and Fresno emerged as the stars of the show, boasting significant increases in their six-year graduation rates. San Jose led the pack with a 4.6 percentage point jump, followed closely by East Bay with 2.4 points and Fresno with 2.1 points. These improvements signify a positive trend in student completion rates among first-time, full-time freshmen who embarked on their academic journey in 2018.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these success stories, some campuses faced challenges in maintaining their graduation rates. Cal Maritime experienced the most significant decline, plummeting by 7 percentage points, followed by Stanislaus and Monterey Bay with decreases of 4.6 and 4.1 points, respectively. Even larger campuses like San Diego and Long Beach saw slight decreases in their six-year freshman rates, highlighting the need for continued efforts to support student success.
Systemwide Initiatives
The recent release of campus-level statistics coincided with Cal State’s November board of trustees meeting, shedding light on the system’s progress towards its graduation goals. As the university system nears the end of a decade-long campaign to boost graduation rates, officials acknowledge the impact of the pandemic on student outcomes. Dilcie D. Perez, Cal State’s chief student affairs officer, emphasized the importance of addressing retention challenges faced by students of color, particularly in their second and third years of study.
Looking Ahead
As Cal State works towards its 2025 graduation targets, including a 40% four-year graduation rate and a 70% six-year graduation rate for first-year students, individual campuses continue to strive for success. While some campuses have met their four-year targets, there is still work to be done to ensure all students have the support they need to thrive academically.
In the midst of data and statistics, it’s important to remember that behind every number is a student striving to achieve their dreams. Each graduation rate represents a personal journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. By focusing on student success and providing the necessary resources and support, Cal State can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of its diverse student body. Let’s celebrate the progress made so far and work together to build a brighter future for all students, regardless of where they are on their academic path.
