Graduation rates at state's colleges, universities on upswing

Graduation rates at Washington's public and private universities and colleges have been on a steady upswing over a six-year period that ended in 2008, and some administrators say it's because the state's high schools are doing a better job of preparing students for college.

Nationally, the median graduation rate among four-year colleges was 53 percent in 2008 — an increase of just two percentage points since 2002, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, which based its findings on an analysis of federal figures. Most of Washington's four-year public and private schools do much better.

"There is this push on behalf of the high schools, and there's a pull on behalf of universities" to get students ready, said Ed Taylor, dean of undergraduate academic affairs at the University of Washington.

Most students at Washington's four-year universities come from this state. Because so many now take college-level courses in high school such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Running Start, they know what's expected in a college class, said Karen Copetas, director of admissions at Western Washington University.

The UW's graduation rate rose from 70 to 77 percent over the six years. The figures indicate the percentage of students who graduated within six years of entering the school as freshmen. The 2008 figures are the most recent available.

Washington State University's graduation rate rose from 62 to 67 percent. There were dips in the intervening years — the rate dropped to 60 percent in 2003, '04 and '06.

WWU's rate went from 63 to 69 percent, and also recorded steady improvement over the years.

Copetas said WWU has focused on improving the quality of student advising, offering more opportunities for academic enrichment and giving better access to courses, all of which helps engage new students right away. "Making sure they get off to a really good start is what helps," she said.

Once they're at the UW, the university has been helping incoming students form a bond with the campus community, such as involving them in research or service opportunities, Taylor said.

The state's private schools saw graduation rates improve, as well. Seattle University's graduation rate went from 66 to 71 percent, and Gonzaga University saw its rate climb from 75 to 81 percent.

The top private school in the state was Whitman College in Walla Walla, with a graduation rate of 92 percent in 2008. Six years earlier, its rate was 87 percent.

The graduation numbers include only full-time, first-time students who enroll in the fall and complete their degrees within "150 percent of normal time." For students seeking a bachelor's degree, that would be six years. The numbers also don't include transfer students.

"Even so, despite its methodological shortcomings, the rate is the primary, publicly available, uniform metric that describes how well colleges are serving their students," The Chronicle wrote.

Katherine Long: 206-464-2219 or klong@seattletimes.com