Graduation is the Hallmark of Excellence—How Colleges Can Achieve High Rates

Abstract

Fine facilities, adequate financial aid, and sufficient resources are crucial elements for a university to be successful.But unless students graduate at an appropriate rate, the university will ultimately be considered ineffective. Students who exit the university without a degree will have their dreams deferred and often struggle to lead a life of any quality. Among those who fail to graduate are a disproportionate number of African Americans and other minorities; this of which must change for a country to thrive and be respected as an exemplary democracy. However, those who do graduate are prepared and financially compensated to lead and make a positive impact in education, politics, science and technology, and human-service areas. This manuscript provides findings from a thorough review of literature on graduation issues and concerns to support development of a framework of tenets to increase graduation rates, especially for African Americans. Further, it highlights specific efforts of a particular college to enhance its graduation rates and provides implications for future directions.