11 Facts About College Graduation

After years of papers, homework, and the occasional pop quiz, it’s that time of year. Graduation. (Cue the march.)

Your parents couldn’t be prouder and the world is now yours for the taking. But sadly there are millions across the US who don’t get that paper (aka diploma). We’ve compiled a list of facts with everything you need to know about college enrollment/graduation.

1. Research found that 4.3 million freshman started college in 2004.
2. However, over 3 million (within that year) are mysteries. And 2.1 million didn’t officially graduate. Although this number isn’t exact, because it includes dropouts, students who started at one college and transferred to another.
3. 20% of 2007-08 first-time college goers had parents whose highest education level was a high school diploma or less.
4. 44% of these recipients completed their bachelor’s degree within four years. 23% within 4-5 years and 9% in 5-6 years.
5. 66% of the 2007-08 incoming freshman borrowed an average of $24,700.
6. At the University of Massachusetts, only 33% of freshman graduate within 6 years. 44% graduate from the University of New Mexico. And less than 41% graduate from the University of Montana.
7. Only half of teens enrolled in college ever receive their bachelor’s degree.
8. Less than half of students who enter community college or transfer to a four-year college graduate within six years.
9. Community college enrollment is on the rise. 5.5 million students attended a two-year school in 2000. That number is now over 8 million in the 2010-2011 school year.
10. The cost of college for the 2009-10 academic year was estimated to be $12,804 at public institutions and $32,184 at private.
11. According to the Labor Department, employees with a bachelor’s degree made 54% more on average than those who attended college but didn’t finish.