California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) graduation rates have risen dramatically over the past decade, with significant increases over the past five years among women, African American and Asian students, according to recently released data.
Data from the 2006-07 academic year shows that 46 percent of students who entered CSULB in fall 2001 have graduated. That is up 4.5 percent from five years ago and 10 percent from 10 years ago, but it is down about 1 percent from 2006 because of a surge in enrollment. In fall 2001, the freshman class unexpectedly jumped to 4,500 students, up from 3,400 in fall 2000. As a result, many new freshmen did not get to enroll in needed classes. However, it is projected, based on continuing enrollment, that about 60 percent of students in this cohort will earn their degree.
Additional statistics show that over the past five years:
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CSULB women have graduated at a higher rate than men, reflecting a national trend. Over the past five years graduation rates have increased 5 percent for CSULB women and 4 percent for men.
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The graduation rate increased 14 percent among African American students.
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Among Asian, Southeast Asian and Filipino students, the graduation rate increase was about 5 percent.
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For White, Latino and “undetermined ethnicity” students, increases were in the 1-2 percent range.
The latest graduation rate for CSULB transfer students has remained consistent over the past five years, with about 60 percent graduating four years after transferring. Eventually, based on continuing enrollment, another 10 percent are expected to graduate. Among transfer students, women graduate at a rate about 6 percent higher than men and the graduation rate among Latino transfer students exceeds the general campus average.
The graduation rate for transfer students is higher than for students who start at CSULB as freshmen because attrition typically occurs at the community college – before students transfer to a university.
CSULB’s graduation rate is higher than most universities in the CSU system, but when compared to public Master's universities nationally, CSULB’s rate is about average.
“Clearly we have room for improvement,” Vice Provost Dave Dowell said. “But the data are useful in helping us to understand the successes we are having with our students.”
Graduation rates are reported externally to many places, including the Chancellor’s Office, rankings organizations such as U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, and the new Voluntary Accountability reporting system.
For more information, visit the Graduation and Retention Web site.
