Graduation Rate

Graduation rates at the college, department, and program levels are calculated using a methodology adapted from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) six-year graduation rate framework. While IPEDS provides a standardized approach for institution-level calculations, no nationally established methodology exists for sub-institutional reporting. This analysis mirrors the IPEDS methodology as closely as possible, with adaptations made only where necessary to account for structural differences between institutional and program-level analyses.

To ensure accurate attribution of students to their respective colleges, departments, and programs, student affiliation is determined based on their declared major during the first semester of junior standing. This approach accounts for the frequent changes in major declaration that occur during students' freshman and sophomore years, providing a more accurate representation of students' intended fields of study at the point when they are typically committed to their academic programs.

Graduate graduation rates are calculated using a cohort-based methodology for new graduate students. Because no nationally established methodology exists for graduate-level graduation-rate reporting, this analysis uses an institution-defined framework that accounts for differences in expected completion timelines across graduate degree types.

Students are assigned to a cohort based on their initial enrollment as a new graduate student in the applicable graduate program. Graduation rates are measured at 100% and 150% of the designated completion period. Doctoral programs are evaluated at 72 and 96 months, short-term master’s programs at 24 and 36 months, and long-term master’s programs at 36 and 60 months, respectively. Cohort years are derived from the reporting year based on these completion periods.