University Sets New Record for Graduation Rate

Duquesne’s overall six-year graduation rate and six-year graduation rate for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree have both increased by five percent over last year, marking the highest rates ever reported by the University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning.

Nationwide, statistics tracking how many students receive bachelor’s degrees within six years of starting school show a 58 percent graduation rate at public institutions and 65 percent rate at private institutions.

Duquesne’s most recent six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time, bachelor-degree-seeking students is 77 percent graduated, up from last year’s rate of 72 percent. Of the fall 2010 first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students, 79 percent graduated or completed their program on time, up from 74 percent last year. This includes both bachelor degree-seeking students who graduated by August 31, 2016, and students pursuing a Pharm.D. that completed the pre-professional phase of the program by August 31, 2013.

Six-year graduation rates are used in college rankings and financial credit ratings and as a way for prospective students and families to evaluate an institution.

“As a whole, it is a measure of institutional and student productivity. And it is the gold standard by which universities are measured by others,” said Paul-James Cukanna, vice president for enrollment management. “The six-year graduation rate demonstrates the academic quality, preparation and motivation of our students; their engagement and satisfaction with the educational experience; the quality of our teaching; and the viability of our academic and student support infrastructure.”

University interest and support for a high graduation rate starts with the senior administration. “President Ken Gormley expects our students to graduate on-time and with a high regard for their Duquesne experience,” said Cukanna.

“It takes a systemic and collaborative effort to recruit and retain a student through graduation,” added J.D. Douglas, director of retention and advisement.

According to Douglas, many aspects of the University experience are collective and strategic, including:

• Admission of academically qualified applicants
• Student life, including freshman orientation, on-campus living, commuter services, student organizations, wellness and programming
• Academic experience, including the faculty and quality of teaching as well as support and guidance from academic advisors
• Competitive financial aid program
• and the interdisciplinary University Retention Committee.

“It’s a comprehensive approach and one that greatly supports our mission,” said Douglas.