(SUNY Geneseo photo/Keith Walters '11)
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently recognized SUNY Geneseo as ninth in the nation for four-year graduation rates at highly residential public institutions. Geneseo appears in the top 10 alongside schools such as the College of William and Mary and the College of New Jersey, as well as much larger institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of California at Los Angeles.
Geneseo’s graduation rate is good news for prospective students, says Costas Solomou, vice president for enrollment management. Graduating in four years should be the norm, but for many colleges that’s not the case. “According to the National Student Clearinghouse, a provider of educational reporting and student data resources, the average four-year graduation rate for public colleges and universities is only 35%,” he says. “SUNY Geneseo takes great pride in having one of the best four-year graduation rates in the country and is consistently in the top 10 nationally. Graduating in four years means our students are paying less for college and have the opportunity to start their career or graduate school sooner than most students at other colleges.”
Geneseo’s notable graduation rate is due in large part to a campus-wide collaboration around student success, says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stacey Robertson. “Our deeply committed faculty and staff work closely with our outstanding students to ensure that the right supports are in place for timely and successful degree completion.”
From the start of their time at the College, Geneseo students have the opportunity to connect their classroom experiences to high-impact curricular, co-curricular, and integrative learning opportunities, says Joseph Cope, associate provost for academic success. “We believe that this helps students understand the significance of their academic experiences, apply skills and knowledge to new contexts, and stay motivated in moving through their programs.”
To see the entire ranking, visit the Chronicle website (subscription required).