Boys Are Less Likely To Graduate From College, More Likely To Take Longer

Young men in the United States are less likely than young women to complete a college degree, according to the U.S. Department of Education.  In it’s most recent annual report, the Condition of Education, 2009, the department highlighted graduation rates for young men and women after four, five, and six years of attendance.  Here are the hard numbers:

On average, only 36% of American college students completed a bachelor’s degree within four years, with 58% taking six years to finish the four-year credential.  That is, if they’re not among the estimated 42% or more students that drop or fail out.

Boys fare the worst in college:  Only about 31% of young men in across the U.S. finish college in four years, with 54% taking six years to complete a four-year degree.  Male students at private, non-profit colleges have the highest graduation rates, with 46% finishing on time and 62% earning a degree after six years.  Young men at state colleges take the longest, with only 24% finishing after four years and 52% taking six years to earn a bachelor‘s degree. 

However, graduation rates for both genders of American students are low, especially in comparison to other countries.  The U.S. currently ranks 15th out of 29 developed nations in college graduation rates, so college concerns exist for both genders.  While girls do have overall higher graduation rates than boys, only 40% on average finish in four years and 60% take six years to earn a bachelor’s degree.  Young women at public colleges had the lowest graduation rates at 34% after 4 years and 58% within six years.  Girls at private, non-profit colleges had the highest U.S. graduation rates measured:  54% graduate within 4 years and 67% finishing after six years.

Jeffrey Ludovici, M.A., is operates Student Strategy 101®, a college planning and support program based in Pittsburgh, Pa.  For more information, please visit him at studentstrategy101.com or at his College Strategy Blog.

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