RALEIGH, N.C. (April 25, 2025) — A new report from the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal presents a comprehensive 50-state comparison of graduation outcomes at public universities, revealing wide disparities in student success and identifying actionable reforms to improve on-time degree completion nationwide.
The report, 50-State Comparison: College Graduation Rates, analyzes four key metrics across the nation’s public universities: first-year retention rate, 4-year graduation rate, 6-year graduation rate, and transfer-out rate. The findings expose significant variations in how effectively states help students earn their degrees—data that has major implications for students, families, and state economies.
Among the findings:
- The national average 4-year graduation rate is just 34%.
- The average 6-year graduation rate is 50%.
- The average retention is 72%.
- The average transfer-out is 22%.
- Delaware, Virginia, and Iowa lead in 4-year graduation rates, while Alaska, Ohio, and New Mexico rank lowest.
“These numbers make it clear that too many students are failing to graduate on time—or at all,” said Jenna A. Robinson, president of the Martin Center. “Fortunately, there are clear, cost-effective policy solutions available that states and institutions can implement immediately.”
The report outlines ten reforms that can improve graduation and retention rates without additional cost to students or taxpayers. These include:
- Implementing performance-based funding tied to student outcomes.
- Standardizing credit transfers across public institutions.
- Adopting year-round academic calendars.
- Accepting military transcripts for academic credit.
- Introducing three-year degree pathways in selected disciplines.
“Higher education is failing in its core mission when students are stuck in the system for six years or more, often dropping out with debt but no degree,” said Robinson. “Our report shows that with the right policies, states can significantly improve student outcomes without increasing spending.”
The Martin Center’s analysis provides data for every state and encourages policymakers, higher education leaders, and the public to use this information as a catalyst for reform.
The full report is available HERE.