Posts published on October 13, 2010

Measuring College Completion Is Complex and Controversial

 

College Graduation Rates: Behind the Numbers
The paper by the American Council on Education (ACE) provides a layperson’s guide to the most common databases used to calculate these rates, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. In addition, the report suggests several factors for policymakers to consider before using graduation rates from existing databases to assess institutional success. “The databases referenced in this report provide valuable information on graduation rates,” said Bryan Cook, director of ACE’s Center for Policy Analysis and co-author, with Natalie Pullaro, of the paper. “However, the disadvantages of each database highlight the need for caution in using them to measure the overall effectiveness of postsecondary education institutions.”

More Families Cannot Save To Pay For College

American families are scaling back plans to pay for their children’s college education as the stunted economic recovery continues to weigh on household budgets, according to a survey by Sallie Mae. The study found that the percentage of families who planned to make little or no contribution to tuition increased, while the percentage who expected to cover more than half of expenses decreased. In addition, the percentage of families who said the reason they are not socking away money for college is that they cannot afford it rose from 62% last year to 68% this year. Source:ECS