2008 Woodie Awards
U.S. behind world in college degrees
University graduates down 4.9 percent in last five years
By: Nick Persons
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: News
The United States continues to lag behind other nations in education, and Central Michigan University doesn't appear to be helping the problem.
A recent series of studies revealed the U.S. is ranked 10th among industrialized countries in the percentage of 25 to 34 year olds holding an associate's degree or higher, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and Jobs for the Future.
CMU has seen a 4.9 percent decrease in total enrollment over the past five years, mainly because of the sharp fall in graduate and off-campus students.
The university is attracting undergraduates, however. Outside of 2007, the number of undergraduates at CMU has increased every year since 2002. There also has been an increase or no change in the number of students earning degrees during that time.
"Compared to other countries, we don't look very good," said Director of Institutional Research Wei Zhou. "But in general, at least in terms of U.S. education, we are doing fine."
Zhou said there are many factors that influence graduation rates. He noted that, for example, some European countries offer three-year bachelor degrees.
He also said CMU is doing well in attracting and graduating students, and that the minor decrease in enrollment isn't worrisome.
"I don't think that's a terrible decline," Zhou said. "We are pretty much stable around 27,000 (students)."
He said some fluctuation is to be expected and, as far as enrollment is concerned, CMU is "not looking for rapid increase."
But the rate at which other countries are churning out college graduates is surpassing that of the U.S, according to the study. The U.S. is one of the only countries where older adults are more educated than younger generations.
Money woes hurt
enrollment
Financing college is often an obstacle for potential students, Zhou said.
"The state budget is getting lower and lower," he said. "That's one of the major issues."
A recent series of studies revealed the U.S. is ranked 10th among industrialized countries in the percentage of 25 to 34 year olds holding an associate's degree or higher, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems and Jobs for the Future.
CMU has seen a 4.9 percent decrease in total enrollment over the past five years, mainly because of the sharp fall in graduate and off-campus students.
The university is attracting undergraduates, however. Outside of 2007, the number of undergraduates at CMU has increased every year since 2002. There also has been an increase or no change in the number of students earning degrees during that time.
"Compared to other countries, we don't look very good," said Director of Institutional Research Wei Zhou. "But in general, at least in terms of U.S. education, we are doing fine."
Zhou said there are many factors that influence graduation rates. He noted that, for example, some European countries offer three-year bachelor degrees.
He also said CMU is doing well in attracting and graduating students, and that the minor decrease in enrollment isn't worrisome.
"I don't think that's a terrible decline," Zhou said. "We are pretty much stable around 27,000 (students)."
He said some fluctuation is to be expected and, as far as enrollment is concerned, CMU is "not looking for rapid increase."
But the rate at which other countries are churning out college graduates is surpassing that of the U.S, according to the study. The U.S. is one of the only countries where older adults are more educated than younger generations.
Money woes hurt
enrollment
Financing college is often an obstacle for potential students, Zhou said.
"The state budget is getting lower and lower," he said. "That's one of the major issues."
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