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Higher Graduation Rates   Fact 1 · Fact 2 · Fact 3

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Independent colleges and universities are both more effective and more efficient at producing graduates than public institutions.

Fact 1 - Proportionately Higher Graduation Rates
Independent colleges and universities produce college graduates in higher proportions to their enrollment. In other words, independent colleges and universities enroll only 20 percent of all students while conferring 30 percent of all degrees, whereas public institutions enroll 80 percent of all students but confer only 70 percent of all degrees.

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Fact 2 - Time-to-Degree for Students at Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Students earn undergraduate degrees faster at independent colleges and universities than at public institutions, avoiding additional tuition expense and starting their careers sooner.

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Fact 3 - Four-Year Graduation Rates
Independent college alumni surveyed in all undergraduate degree programs are more likely than public university alumni to graduate in four years or less (72 percent vs. 52 percent).

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Related Materials

These materials reference the themes and topics addressed in the above facts and data, serving as a helpful resource on how presidents and others are making the case for independent higher education.

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