Illinois State University has been named one of the top 25 public institutions in the nation, and the only public university in Illinois, for gains in Hispanic student graduation rates by The Education Trust.
The recently released report, Advancing to Completion: Increasing degree attainment by improving graduation rates and closing gaps for Hispanic students, lists Illinois State at 19th in the nation for public universities making gains in graduation rates for Hispanic students, while keeping graduation rates for other students steady or improving. The University also placed 19th for closing the graduation gap between Hispanic students and fellow students.
“This report is a reflection of our efforts to create an inclusive environment at Illinois State, and our goal to enroll and retain high-achieving, diverse and motivated students,” said Illinois State Provost Sheri Everts.
The report covers only the nation’s top 25 institutions making the highest gains in Hispanic graduation rates and in closing the graduation-rate gap between Hispanic and white students from 2004 to 2010. Utilizing data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, the Education Trust compiled the report with a centralized, higher education data collection process called the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
According to the report, the population of Hispanic students has nearly doubled in public schools over the past six years, but college enrollment and graduation rates of Hispanic students are not keeping pace. The report noted, “If America is to restore its status as first-in-the-world in degree attainment, colleges need to do more to ensure that all of their students – especially Hispanic students – graduate from college.”
The Education Trust is a national not-for-profit organization that promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels – pre-kindergarten through college. Their goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement for young people.
PDF: Read the full report on the Education Trust website.
