Here is CrowdFundEdu’s list of the 25 colleges and universities with the highest graduation rates in the United States based on National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data.

Note that this list is based on data from the most recent year for which data is available, which is 2019-2020. The graduation rate is defined as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduated within 150% of the usual time for completing their degree program (e.g., within six years for a bachelor’s degree).

Top 25 Colleges with the Highest Graduation Rates

1. Brigham Young University-Provo (UT) – 96%
2. Dartmouth College (NH) – 95%
3. University of Notre Dame (IN) – 95%
4. Stanford University (CA) – 94%
5. Yale University (CT) – 93%
6. Williams College (MA) – 93%
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA) – 92%
8. Princeton University (NJ) – 92%
9. Brown University (RI) – 91%
10. Amherst College (MA) – 91%
11. Harvard University (MA) – 91%
12. Columbia University (NY) – 91%
13. University of Virginia (VA) – 91%
14. Duke University (NC) – 90%
15. Pomona College (CA) – 90%
16. Swarthmore College (PA) – 90%
17. University of California-Berkeley (CA) – 90%
18. University of California-Los Angeles (CA) – 90%
19. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (MI) – 90%
20. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC) – 90%
21. Wellesley College (MA) – 90%
22. University of Pennsylvania (PA) – 89%
23. Bowdoin College (ME) – 89%
24. Middlebury College (VT) – 89%
25. University of Southern California (CA) – 89%

25 Colleges with the Lowest Graduation Rates

1. South Carolina State University – 12%
2. Grambling State University (LA) – 16%
3. University of the District of Columbia (DC) – 16%
4. Virginia State University – 17%
5. East Carolina University (NC) – 17%
6. Winston-Salem State University (NC) – 17%
7. Savannah State University (GA) – 18%
8. Voorhees College (SC) – 18%
9. Florida A&M University – 19%
10. Southern University at New Orleans (LA) – 19%
11. University of Louisiana at Monroe – 19%
12. Fort Valley State University (GA) – 19%
13. Alabama State University – 20%
14. Arkansas State University-Main Campus – 20%
15. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania – 20%
16. Prairie View A & M University (TX) – 20%
17. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – 20%
18. Alabama A & M University – 21%
19. Bennett College (NC) – 21%
20. Clark Atlanta University (GA) – 21%
21. Coppin State University (MD) – 21%
22. Delaware State University – 21%
23. Dillard University (LA) – 21%
24. Fisk University (TN) – 21%
25. Grambling State University (LA) – 21%

*It’s important to note that the graduation rates of colleges and universities can vary widely for a number of reasons, including the type of institution, the academic programs offered, the student population, and the level of resources and support available to students. It’s also important to consider other factors, such as the cost of attendance, the job prospects for graduates, and the overall quality of the educational experience when evaluating colleges and universities.

Why is a college’s graduation rate important?

There are several reasons why a college’s graduation rate is important. Here are a few:

1. Graduation rate is often used to measure a college’s academic quality. In general, colleges with high graduation rates tend to have strong academic programs and provide students with the support they need to succeed.
2. Graduation rate is a key factor in determining the value of a college education. Students who graduate from college within a reasonable amount of time are more likely to recoup their investment in their education through higher earnings and other benefits.
3. Graduation rate can be an important consideration for students who are choosing a college. Students who are more likely to graduate are more likely to have a positive college experience and achieve their academic and career goals.
4. Graduation rate is a key indicator of a college’s effectiveness in retaining and supporting its students. Colleges with high graduation rates tend to have strong retention and support programs, which can help students stay on track and graduate on time.
5. Graduation rate is often used to measure a college’s accountability and transparency. Colleges that are transparent about their graduation rates and other key metrics are more likely to be accountable to students, parents, and other stakeholders.

What college has the highest acceptance rate and graduation rate?

Identifying a single college or university with the highest acceptance and graduation rate is challenging, as these rates can vary widely among institutions depending on several factors. Acceptance rates can vary based on the selectivity of an institution, the number of applicants, and the academic and other qualifications of the applicant pool. Graduation rates can vary based on the type of institution, the academic programs offered, the student population, and the level of resources and support available to students.

That being said, some colleges and universities have relatively high acceptance rates and graduation rates. For example, the University of California-Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 17% and a graduation rate of 90%. In comparison, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 24% and a graduation rate of 90%. However, it’s essential to consider a range of factors when evaluating colleges and universities, including the cost of attendance, the quality of the educational experience, and the job prospects for graduates.