Illinois State University has been
named by The Education Trust as one of the top 25 public institutions in the
nation, and the only public university in Illinois, for gains made in Latino
student graduation rates.
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 Latino
students while keeping graduation rates for others steady or improving. The
University placed 19th for closing the graduation gap between Latinos and their
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 Latino 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 utilizing a centralized,
higher education data collection process called the Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System.
According to the report, the
population of Latino students has nearly doubled in public schools over the
past six years, but college enrollment and graduation rates of Latinos 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. Its goal is to close
gaps in opportunity and achievement for young people.
For additional information on the
report, go to http://www.edtrust.org/sites/edtrust.org/files/Advancing_Hisp.pdf. For more information on The Education Trust, go to http://www.edtrust.org/.
